Data Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In New Zealand, a data engineer earns about 55% more than a systems administrator — $137,031 vs $88,667 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$137,031/yr
- Monthly
- $11,400
- Hourly
- $66
- Range
- $87,688–$197,313
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Technology
Systems Administrator$88,667/yr
- Monthly
- $7,370
- Hourly
- $43
- Range
- $61,549–$121,831
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $87,688 | $61,549 |
| 25th | $112,389 | $75,079 |
| Median | $137,031 | $88,667 |
| 75th | $167,201 | $105,249 |
| Senior (90th) | $197,313 | $121,831 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or systems administrator earn more in New Zealand?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $238,000 per year vs $154,000 for a systems administrator — roughly 55% ($84,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A data engineer typically earns $152,300–$342,700, while a systems administrator earns $106,900–$211,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $19,800 and a systems administrator about $12,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a data engineer earns about $152,300 while a systems administrator earns about $106,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a data engineer earns about $342,700 while a systems administrator earns about $211,600 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.