Data Scientist vs Data 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.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $19,270/year (16%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Data Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Data Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $202,499 | Data $25,722 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $131,540 | Data +$4,440 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $105,430 | Data +$67,756 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $153,836 | Data $23,103 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $154,010 | Data $21,595 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $179,962 | Data $23,847 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £108,711 | Data $30,495 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$181,115 | Data $46,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Data Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $139,500/year for a Data Engineer — a difference of $19,270 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Data Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Data Engineer demand is growing at 34% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Data 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 Data Engineer?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.