Software Engineer vs Data Scientist: 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 Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $15,750/year (13%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Data Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $176,777 | Software +$18,173 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $135,980 | Software +$30,850 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $173,186 | Software +$16,282 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $130,733 | Software +$18,101 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $132,415 | Software +$17,551 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $156,115 | Software +$20,427 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £78,216 | Software $4,274 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$134,265 | Software $8,113 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Data Scientist earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $120,230/year for a Data Scientist — a difference of $15,750 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Data Scientist?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Data Scientist demand is growing at 36% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Data Scientist?+
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 Scientist?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.