How Much Do Data Engineers Earn?

Data engineers are increasingly important for businesses to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. The role of data engineers has become increasingly critical. Data engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that enables the collection, storage, and analysis of large volumes of data. But what could you earn as a data engineer? This blog post will explore data engineer salaries across different regions, including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Sweden.

What does a data engineer do?

Before we dive into the salary details, let’s briefly outline the responsibilities of a data engineer. Data engineers develop, construct, and test architectures and frameworks for data processing and analysis. Often, they’ll work with data scientists to ensure that data is in the correct format for analysis. Data engineers are also involved in data pipeline management, modelling, and ensuring data quality and security.

Now, let’s delve into the salary ranges for data engineers in different regions.

Data Engineer Salary in Austria:

Austria’s tech sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, resulting in increased demand for data engineers. While specific salary data for data engineers in Austria is limited, according to TalentUp.io, the average salary for a data engineer is €78.200. 

Data Engineer Salary in Germany:

Germany is renowned for its strong technology industry and has a robust demand for skilled data engineers. According to GermanTechJobs, the average data engineer salary in Germany ranges from €52.500 to €85,000 per year. They estimate that the average data engineer’s salary is €70.000.

Data Engineer Salary in Sweden:

Sweden’s tech industry is thriving, offering numerous opportunities for data engineers. According to TalentUp.io, Sweden’s average data engineer salary is 889 200 kr annually.

Data Engineer Salary in London:

As a global technology and financial hub, London offers excellent opportunities for data engineers. According to the Morgan McKinley salary calculator, London’s average data engineer salary ranges from £45,000 to £115,000 per year. Remember, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, etc.

Data Engineer (0-3 years): £45,000 – £70,000

Data Engineer (3-5 years): £70,000 – £95,000

Data Engineer (5+ years): £85,000 – £115,000

Head of Data Engineering: £100,000 – £120,000

Data Engineer Salary in the UK:

Given the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making, data engineering roles across the UK are highly sought after. According to Talent.com, the average data engineer salary in the UK is between £35,000 and £85,000.

Junior Data Engineer: £35,000 – £55,000

Senior Data Engineer: £55,000 – £85,000

Data Engineering Manager: £57,500 – £85,000

Data Engineer Salary in Ireland:

Ireland has emerged as a prominent technology hub in Europe, attracting numerous multinational companies. Morgan McKinley’s Salary Calculator indicates that data engineers in Dublin can expect an average salary range of €50,000 to €100,000 per year.

Data Engineer (0-3 years): €50,000 – €65,000

Data Engineer (3-5 years): €65,000 – €80,000

Data Engineer (5+ years): €80,000 – €100,000

In Cork, those numbers differ slightly:

Data Engineer (0-3 years): €45,000 – €55,000

Data Engineer (3-5 years): €55,000 – €70,000

Data Engineer (5+ years): €70,000 – €90,000

Below is what Morgan McKinley estimates for Galway:

Data Engineer (0-3 years): €40,000 – €50,000

Data Engineer (3-5 years): €50,000 – €65,000

Data Engineer (5+ years): €65,000 – €85,000

Talent.com estimates that Ireland’s average Data Engineering Manager salary is between €91,250 and €120,500, with the median wage being €105,000. 

Data Engineer Salary in the Netherlands:

The Netherlands boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, with Amsterdam being a popular location for technology companies. According to Code Institute’s 2023 Salary Guide, compiled with information from Hays, the average data engineer salary in the Netherlands is between €30,000 and €80,000 per year.

Data Engineer (0-3 years): €30.000 – €40.000

Data Engineer (3-6 years): €70.000 – €95.000

Data Engineer (6+ years): €60.000 – €80.000

Location & Company Size

The salary ranges in this article are approximate, and it’s important to know that they can vary from guide to guide. Also, it’s important to note that salaries can be influenced by various factors such as experience, education, company size, and industry. Additionally, economic conditions and the cost of living in each region can impact salaries.

Learning to Code and Data Engineering

Now let’s discuss the importance of coding skills and the misconception around the requirement of a computer science degree for data engineering roles. Proficiency in coding is undoubtedly crucial for data engineers. They typically use programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Scala to manipulate, transform, and analyse data. Writing efficient and scalable code is essential for building robust data pipelines and implementing data integration processes. While a computer science degree can provide a strong foundation in programming and computer systems, it is only sometimes a strict requirement for a career in data engineering. Many data engineers come from diverse backgrounds, including mathematics, statistics, engineering, and other fields. What matters most is a strong aptitude for problem-solving, logical thinking, and a passion for working with data.

Data engineers are crucial in managing and optimising data infrastructure, enabling organisations to derive valuable insights from their data assets. As the demand for skilled data engineers continues to rise, so does the earning potential in this field. From London to Sweden, the salaries for data engineers are competitive, reflecting the specialised skills and expertise they bring to the table. If you have a passion for data, enjoy coding, and possess the necessary analytical skills, pursuing a career as a data engineer can be financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

Download the free Salary Guide

Want to know what you could earn in other areas of software development? See our comprehensive salary guide. Download for free through the form below.