Backend Developer vs Data Engineer salary
In Saudi Arabia, a data engineer earns about 1% more than a backend developer — $94,400 vs $93,867 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is SAR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$94,400/yr
- Monthly
- $7,867
- Hourly
- $45
- Range
- $60,427–$135,947
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Backend Developer | Data Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $60,080 | $60,427 |
| 25th | $76,960 | $77,413 |
| Median | $93,867 | $94,400 |
| 75th | $114,507 | $115,173 |
| Senior (90th) | $135,173 | $135,947 |
National Saudi Arabia figures in SAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a backend developer or data engineer earn more in Saudi Arabia?
- A data engineer earns more, at about 354,000 ر.س. per year vs 352,000 ر.س. for a backend developer — roughly 1% (2,000 ر.س.) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Saudi Arabia?
- A backend developer typically earns 225,300 ر.س.–506,900 ر.س., while a data engineer earns 226,600 ر.س.–509,800 ر.س. per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Saudi Arabia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a backend developer averages about 29,300 ر.س. and a data engineer about 29,500 ر.س..
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Saudi Arabia, a backend developer earns about 225,300 ر.س. while a data engineer earns about 226,600 ر.س. per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Saudi Arabia, a backend developer earns about 506,900 ر.س. while a data engineer earns about 509,800 ر.س. per year.
- Are backend developer and data 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.