Pay by Role
United States · Salary comparison

Data Scientist vs Network Engineer salary

In United States, a data scientist earns about 17% more than a network engineer $132,000 vs $113,000 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 Scientist
$132,000/yr
Monthly
$11,000
Hourly
$63
Range
$82,100$193,000
10-yr outlook
+35%
Technology
Network Engineer
$113,000/yr
Monthly
$9,400
Hourly
$54
Range
$76,400$157,700
10-yr outlook
+5%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileData ScientistNetwork Engineer
Entry (10th)$82,100$76,400
25th$107,100$94,700
Median$132,000$113,000
75th$162,500$135,400
Senior (90th)$193,000$157,700

National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a data scientist or network engineer earn more in United States?
A data scientist earns more, at about $132,000 per year vs $113,000 for a network engineer — roughly 17% ($19,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
A data scientist typically earns $82,100–$193,000, while a network engineer earns $76,400–$157,700 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
On a monthly basis before tax, a data scientist averages about $11,000 and a network engineer about $9,400.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United States, a data scientist earns about $82,100 while a network engineer earns about $76,400 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United States, a data scientist earns about $193,000 while a network engineer earns about $157,700 per year.
Are data scientist and network 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.