Data Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In South Korea, a data engineer earns about 170% more than a software engineer — $154,729 vs $57,203 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is KRW). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$154,729/yr
- Monthly
- $12,894
- Hourly
- $74
- Range
- $99,027–$222,810
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $99,027 | $36,610 |
| 25th | $126,878 | $46,906 |
| Median | $154,729 | $57,203 |
| 75th | $188,770 | $69,787 |
| Senior (90th) | $222,810 | $82,372 |
National South Korea figures in KRW. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or software engineer earn more in South Korea?
- A data engineer earns more, at about ₩232,300,000 per year vs ₩85,880,000 for a software engineer — roughly 170% (₩146,420,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Korea?
- A data engineer typically earns ₩148,672,000–₩334,512,000, while a software engineer earns ₩54,963,200–₩123,667,200 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Korea?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about ₩19,358,300 and a software engineer about ₩7,156,700.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Korea, a data engineer earns about ₩148,672,000 while a software engineer earns about ₩54,963,200 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Korea, a data engineer earns about ₩334,512,000 while a software engineer earns about ₩123,667,200 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.