Data Scientist vs Software Engineer salary
In China, a software engineer earns about 19% more than a data scientist — $117,700 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
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 Scientist | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $61,461 | $75,325 |
| 25th | $80,148 | $96,520 |
| Median | $98,821 | $117,700 |
| 75th | $121,653 | $143,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $144,470 | $169,485 |
National China figures in CNY. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data scientist or software engineer earn more in China?
- A software engineer earns more, at about ¥798,000 per year vs ¥670,000 for a data scientist — roughly 19% (¥128,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in China?
- A data scientist typically earns ¥416,700–¥979,500, 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 scientist averages about ¥55,800 and a software engineer about ¥66,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in China, a data scientist earns about ¥416,700 while a software engineer earns about ¥510,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in China, a data scientist earns about ¥979,500 while a software engineer earns about ¥1,149,100 per year.
- Are data scientist 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.