Data Engineer vs Machine Learning Engineer salary
In Germany, a data engineer earns about 90% more than a machine learning engineer — $205,294 vs $108,008 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is EUR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$205,294/yr
- Monthly
- $17,108
- Hourly
- $99
- Range
- $131,388–$295,624
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Technology
Machine Learning Engineer$108,008/yr
- Monthly
- $9,010
- Hourly
- $52
- Range
- $64,211–$161,498
- 10-yr outlook
- +40%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Machine Learning Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $131,388 | $64,211 |
| 25th | $168,341 | $86,110 |
| Median | $205,294 | $108,008 |
| 75th | $250,459 | $134,696 |
| Senior (90th) | $295,624 | $161,498 |
National Germany figures in EUR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or machine learning engineer earn more in Germany?
- A data engineer earns more, at about 180.000 € per year vs 94.700 € for a machine learning engineer — roughly 90% (85.300 €) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Germany?
- A data engineer typically earns 115.200 €–259.200 €, while a machine learning engineer earns 56.300 €–141.600 € per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Germany?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about 15.000 € and a machine learning engineer about 7.900 €.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Germany, a data engineer earns about 115.200 € while a machine learning engineer earns about 56.300 € per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Germany, a data engineer earns about 259.200 € while a machine learning engineer earns about 141.600 € per year.
- Are data engineer and machine learning 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.