Data Engineer vs Systems Administrator salary
In United States, a data engineer earns about 58% more than a systems administrator — $151,000 vs $95,800 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Technology
Data Engineer$151,000/yr
- Monthly
- $12,600
- Hourly
- $73
- Range
- $96,600–$217,400
- 10-yr outlook
- +30%
Technology
Systems Administrator$95,800/yr
- Monthly
- $8,000
- Hourly
- $46
- Range
- $66,500–$131,600
- 10-yr outlook
- +4%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Engineer | Systems Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $96,600 | $66,500 |
| 25th | $123,800 | $81,100 |
| Median | $151,000 | $95,800 |
| 75th | $184,200 | $113,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $217,400 | $131,600 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a data engineer or systems administrator earn more in United States?
- A data engineer earns more, at about $151,000 per year vs $95,800 for a systems administrator — roughly 58% ($55,200) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A data engineer typically earns $96,600–$217,400, while a systems administrator earns $66,500–$131,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a data engineer averages about $12,600 and a systems administrator about $8,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a data engineer earns about $96,600 while a systems administrator earns about $66,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a data engineer earns about $217,400 while a systems administrator earns about $131,600 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.