Software Engineer vs Data Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, warehouses, and ETL infrastructure.
Data Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $3,520/year (3%) higher than a Software Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Data Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Data Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $202,499 | Software $7,549 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $131,540 | Software +$35,290 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $105,430 | Software +$84,038 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $153,836 | Software $5,002 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $154,010 | Software $4,044 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $179,962 | Software $3,420 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £108,711 | Software $34,769 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$181,115 | Software $54,963 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Data Engineer earn more?+
A Data Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $139,500/year for a Data Engineer — a difference of $3,520 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Data Engineer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Data Engineer demand is growing at 34% YoY. Data Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer 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 — Software Engineer or Data Engineer?+
Data Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.