Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Singapore vs Los Angeles, CA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Singapore
$141,995
/ year
-8%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$154,948
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Singapore
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$141,995
$154,948✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$91,828
$100,204✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$219,570
$239,600✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$96,557
$104,231✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$101,425
$112,281✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.40×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$123,050✓ higher
$100,204
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$294,224✓ higher
$239,600

What if you move from Singapore to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
+$12,953
8% increase
Take-home change
+$7,674
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$10,856
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Singapore$141,995
P10: $123,050Median: $141,995P90: $294,224
Los Angeles, CA$154,948
P10: $100,204Median: $154,948P90: $239,600

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in Singapore or Los Angeles?

The median Data Engineer salary in Singapore is S$190,273/yr compared to $154,948/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles pays 8% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Singapore or Los Angeles after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Singapore salary has the purchasing power of $101,425/yr in a median-cost city, vs $112,281/yr for Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in Singapore vs Los Angeles?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Singapore takes home approximately $96,557/yr, vs $104,231/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.