Data Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In United Kingdom, a data engineer earns about 48% more than a software engineer — $187,419 vs $126,374 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Data Engineer$187,419/yr
- Monthly
- $15,663
- Hourly
- $90
- Range
- $119,948–$269,883
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $119,948 | $80,858 |
| 25th | $153,683 | $103,616 |
| Median | $187,419 | $126,374 |
| 75th | $228,651 | $154,219 |
| Senior (90th) | $269,883 | $181,930 |
National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or software engineer earn more in United Kingdom?
- A data engineer earns more, at about £140,000 per year vs £94,400 for a software engineer — roughly 48% (£45,600) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
- A data engineer typically earns £89,600–£201,600, while a software engineer earns £60,400–£135,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about £11,700 and a software engineer about £7,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a data engineer earns about £89,600 while a software engineer earns about £60,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a data engineer earns about £201,600 while a software engineer earns about £135,900 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.