Data Scientist vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $145/year (0%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $171,525 | Data +$5,252 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $147,203 | Data $11,223 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $173,765 | Data $579 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $131,230 | Data $497 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $125,515 | Data +$6,900 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $158,382 | Data $2,267 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £93,991 | Data $15,775 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$163,067 | Data $28,802 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $145 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Analytics Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python, SQL.
Which is harder to automate — Data Scientist or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.