Data Engineer vs Data Scientist salary
In China, a data engineer earns about 14% more than a data scientist — $112,685 vs $98,821 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CNY). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$112,685/yr
- Monthly
- $9,395
- Hourly
- $54
- Range
- $72,124–$162,272
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $72,124 | $61,461 |
| 25th | $92,405 | $80,148 |
| Median | $112,685 | $98,821 |
| 75th | $137,479 | $121,653 |
| Senior (90th) | $162,272 | $144,470 |
National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or data scientist earn more in China?
- A data engineer earns more, at about ¥764,000 per year vs ¥670,000 for a data scientist — roughly 14% (¥94,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in China?
- A data engineer typically earns ¥489,000–¥1,100,200, while a data scientist earns ¥416,700–¥979,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in China?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about ¥63,700 and a data scientist about ¥55,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in China, a data engineer earns about ¥489,000 while a data scientist earns about ¥416,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in China, a data engineer earns about ¥1,100,200 while a data scientist earns about ¥979,500 per year.
- Are data engineer and data scientist 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.