Data Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In Canada, a data engineer earns about 56% more than a systems administrator — $170,841 vs $109,423 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Technology
Data Engineer$170,841/yr
- Monthly
- $14,260
- Hourly
- $82
- Range
- $109,352–$246,025
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Technology
Systems Administrator$109,423/yr
- Monthly
- $9,107
- Hourly
- $53
- Range
- $75,961–$150,369
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $109,352 | $75,961 |
| 25th | $140,062 | $92,692 |
| Median | $170,841 | $109,423 |
| 75th | $208,398 | $129,896 |
| Senior (90th) | $246,025 | $150,369 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or systems administrator earn more in Canada?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $242,000 per year vs $155,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 56% ($87,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A data engineer typically earns $154,900–$348,500, while a systems administrator earns $107,600–$213,000 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $20,200 and a systems administrator about $12,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a data engineer earns about $154,900 while a systems administrator earns about $107,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a data engineer earns about $348,500 while a systems administrator earns about $213,000 per year.
- Are data engineer and systems administrator similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.