Data Scientist vs Software Engineer salary
In United States, a software engineer earns about 3% more than a data scientist — $136,000 vs $132,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Software Engineer$136,000/yr
- Monthly
- $11,300
- Hourly
- $65
- Range
- $87,000–$195,800
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Data Scientist | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $82,100 | $87,000 |
| 25th | $107,100 | $111,500 |
| Median | $132,000 | $136,000 |
| 75th | $162,500 | $165,900 |
| Senior (90th) | $193,000 | $195,800 |
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 software engineer earn more in United States?
- A software engineer earns more, at about $136,000 per year vs $132,000 for a data scientist — roughly 3% ($4,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A data scientist typically earns $82,100–$193,000, while a software engineer earns $87,000–$195,800 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 software engineer about $11,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a data scientist earns about $82,100 while a software engineer earns about $87,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a data scientist earns about $193,000 while a software engineer earns about $195,800 per year.
- Are data scientist 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.