Data Engineer Salary in 2024

Data engineering is a core branch pertaining to big data and analytics — an area focusing on the creation of scalable and optimizable pipelines for data. Data engineers have been in demand more than ever these days as companies realize the importance of making decisions based on data, rather than pure intuition and gut feeling. With the demand and necessary technical experience which goes into preparing a data engineer, pursuing salaries of people have followed suit across the world.

This blog will discuss aspects related to Data Engineer Pay Analysis by Experience, Location & Employer We will also guide you on which salary to expect, and how it is possible for you to increase your earning in this profession as well.

How Much do Data Engineers Make

The question that comes to mind for most individuals while entering the tech industry is, “How much do data engineers make?” Their salary shall significantly differ from experience to location, skills, and, of course, an employer. The average salary for a data engineer foreshadows a good compensation package since they play a critical role in handling and optimizing large data sets. Let us see how much data engineers earn in these contexts.

Data Engineer Salary in India

This, in turn, makes the role of a data engineer very much in demand. According to Glassdoor data from the Kardashians, Data Engineer Salaries in India range from INR 500,000 to INR 2,500,000 annually for various levels of experience and skill sets. Freshers can come as high as INR 500,000 – INR 1,000,000 yearly; mid-level, above INR 1,500,000 every year. Demand for data engineers is accelerating in India with fast adoption by various companies across different industry verticals when it comes to big data technologies.

Data Engineer Salary: Based on Experience

Data Engineer Salary for Freshers

For freshers leaving college and embarking on a career as a data engineer, the data engineer salary for freshers stands competitive in comparison with other beginner technology roles. According to Glassdoor, freshers get about INR 400,000 to INR 1,000,000 per annum. This entry-level salary may differ because of factors such as educative background, technological expertise, and the firm through which one is going to be hired.

Junior Data Engineer Salary (2 years experience)

Junior data engineers’ earnings surge after two years of experience. During this tenure, professionals make between INR 500,000 and INR 1,050,000 per annum, according to Glassdoor. This pay grade reflects growing expertise and the ability to take on more significant and complex data engineering tasks.

Mid-level Data Engineer (3–5 years of experience)

It is mid-level data engineers with 3 to 5 years of industry experience—so the money they will get would be even higher, possibly from INR 900,000 to INR 1,800,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. With greater understanding, they can handle more significant projects and optimize data pipelines; such people will have much more to offer the organization.

Senior Data Engineer (6+ years of experience)

The highest salary that one can attract in this field is obtained by a senior data engineer with over six years of work experience. Depending on the expertise and leadership skills, such a person could earn anything from INR 1,400,000 to 2,500,000 per year for the complexities handled in projects. Senior data engineers design and implement robust data architectures, mentor junior engineers in their Craft, and drive critical strategic data initiatives.

Average Salary for Data Engineers Based on Location

The salary of data engineers can vary significantly based on their geographical location. Here is a table showcasing average salaries in different cities in India:

Data Engineer Salaries at Top Companies

Here are some of the top companies and their average salaries for data engineers:

This format provides a clear and concise summary of the salary ranges, medians, and company ratings for data engineers at various companies.

Factors Affecting Data Engineer’s Salary

Experience Level

Experience is among the factors that majorly influence a Data Engineer’s Salary. As it has been mentioned above in the sections, salary significantly increases with years of work experience. People with experience add more value to their companies due to enhanced skills and the possibility of running complex projects.

Negotiating Your Salary

Effective salary negotiation skills also contribute to earning potential. Knowing the market standards and being in a position to make prospective employers appreciate one’s unique, important skills could mean higher returns for hard work.

Mastering a Data Engineer Interview

Do well in data engineer interviews. The preparation for answering common interview questions and demonstrations of technical skills and problem-solving ability will help nail better job offers and higher starting salaries.

Data Engineer Resume

A good data engineer resume makes a huge difference in offers. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, along with certifications, in a professional and transparent manner so that, if called upon, most employers will take notes of such.

Certification

Relevant data engineering courses certifcations can give you an upper hand in salary prospects. Certification, especially from known institutions or companies like Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure, would help legitimize candidates’ skills, making them more attractive to employers.

Location

One could see from the table of average salaries below that location played a huge role. For example, cities that cost more to live in or that house more tech companies look to attract talent with higher salaries.

Skill Set

Your specific skills in the data engineer role can also raise or lower your salary. Big data technologies, programming languages, and data visualization tools expertise—like Hadoop, Spark, Python, Java, Tableau, etc.—would bring higher pay.

Employer

The company you are going to work for dramatically influences how much you are going to earn. Major tech companies and multinationals are probably at the top of the payout against smaller firms or startups.

Industry

The industry you serve also determines how much you earn. Data engineers in key sectors like finance, health, and technology generally command reasonable payments since data is a critical component of these companies.

Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Data Engineer

Gain More Experience

One of the most straightforward ways to increase your salary is to gain more experience. With each additional year in the field, your expertise grows, making you more valuable to employers.

Acquire Advanced Certifications

Advanced certifications in Data engineering will set you apart from others. Not only do these reputable organizations validate your skills, but they also give you the most valuable job opportunities.

Develop a Strong Skill Set

The data engineer skills need continuous updating and extension. Keeping pace with new technologies and methodologies will help you ace in the job market.

Network with Industry Professionals

It can also create fresher chances at better-paying roles if one nurtures and builds a professional network. Conferences, industry events, joining professional groups around areas of interest, and networking with other data engineers on platforms such as LinkedIn can all be helpful.

Negotiate Your Salary

Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary when offered a new position. Research industry standards, know your worth, and confidently articulate your value to potential employers.

Seek High-Paying Industries

Specific industries, such as finance, healthcare, and tech, offer higher salaries for data engineers. Targeting these sectors can lead to better pay.

Relocate to High-Paying Locations

As shown earlier, salaries vary by location. Traveling to these cities, where average salaries for data engineers are high, may increase the pay significantly.

Excel in Interviews

Mastering the data engineer interview process will let you get a job that puts your level of expertise into money. Be prepared to answer all common interview questions and present yourself in the best possible way.

Build an Impressive Portfolio

Having an impressive portfolio of past projects can make you look like a more attractive candidate. Have your work documented, and highlight successful projects. Demonstrate the ability to solve the complex challenges that are involved with data.

FAQs

Which company pays the highest salary for a data engineer?

IBM and Amazon are known for offering some of the highest salaries for data engineers, with packages ranging from INR 900,000 to INR 2,400,000 annually.

Who pays the most for data engineers?

Tech giants like IBM, TCS, and Amazon are among the top payers for data engineers.

Which company is best for data engineering?

Top tech companies like IBM, TCS, Fractal, and Amazon are considered the best for data engineering due to their innovative projects, competitive salaries, and excellent work environments.

What is the salary of a 4-year data engineer?

A data engineer with four years of experience typically earns between INR 1,000,000 and INR 1,500,000 annually, depending on the company and location.

What is the salary of a 7-year data engineer?

A data engineer with seven years of experience can expect to earn between INR 1,500,000 and INR 2,500,000 per year, depending on their skills.