Data Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In China, a software engineer earns about 4% more than a data engineer — $117,700 vs $112,685 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
Software Engineer$117,700/yr
- Monthly
- $9,808
- Hourly
- $57
- Range
- $75,325–$169,485
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $72,124 | $75,325 |
| 25th | $92,405 | $96,520 |
| Median | $112,685 | $117,700 |
| 75th | $137,479 | $143,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $162,272 | $169,485 |
National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or software engineer earn more in China?
- A software engineer earns more, at about ¥798,000 per year vs ¥764,000 for a data engineer — roughly 4% (¥34,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in China?
- A data engineer typically earns ¥489,000–¥1,100,200, while a software engineer earns ¥510,700–¥1,149,100 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 software engineer about ¥66,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in China, a data engineer earns about ¥489,000 while a software engineer earns about ¥510,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in China, a data engineer earns about ¥1,100,200 while a software engineer earns about ¥1,149,100 per year.
- Are data engineer and software engineer 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.