Data Engineer Salary in Seattle (2026)
In Seattle, Data Engineers earn between $81,000 and $200,027 annually, with a median salary of $113,909. This reflects the city's strong demand for data professionals.
Key Facts
- Seattle's cost of living index is 144.0, indicating higher living expenses. ([trpc.org](https://www.trpc.org/DocumentCenter/View/13163/10-ADDITIONAL-ATTACHMENT_trpc-030725_2024Q3_Coli-staff-report?utm_source=openai))
- Top employers include Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
- Key skills for higher salaries are Python, SQL, and Kubernetes.
- Seattle's average Data Engineer salary is $113,909. ([payscale.com](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job%3DData_Engineer/Salary/850615ce/Seattle-WA?utm_source=openai))
- Housing costs in Seattle are 34.1% higher than the national average. ([salary.com](https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/seattle-wa?utm_source=openai))
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $81,000 - $109,143
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): $109,143 - $147,755
- Senior-Level (6-9 years): $147,755 - $200,027
- Lead-Level (10+ years): $200,027 and above
How Seattle Compares
Seattle's average Data Engineer salary of $113,909 is competitive, surpassing cities like Chicago ($100,000 - $125,000) and Austin ($115,000 - $145,000), but slightly below San Francisco ($130,000 - $165,000). (finalroundai.com)
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Kubernetes significantly enhances earning potential. (wellfound.com)
Work Culture & Benefits
Seattle's tech industry offers a collaborative environment with benefits like flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health plans, and professional development opportunities.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on mastering in-demand skills like Python and Kubernetes. Networking within Seattle's tech community can also open doors to top employers.
Data Engineer Insights — Seattle
Data Engineer salaries in Seattle range from $81,000 to $200,027, a 104% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $113,909 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Seattle's cost of living index of 144/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $113,909 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for data engineer in Seattle is anchored by employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for data engineer in Seattle centers around expertise in Python, SQL, Kubernetes, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $200,027 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Data Scientist or Database Administrator.
Related Roles in Seattle
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | Seattle | $80,000 - $162,000 | $120,443 |
| Software Engineer | Seattle | $106,363 - $209,212 | $149,172 |
| ML Engineer | Seattle | $118,894 - $327,935 | $197,458 |
| Product Manager | Seattle | $106,693 - $230,220 | $156,725 |
| Frontend Engineer | Seattle | $68,000 - $141,000 | $101,995 |
| DevOps Engineer |
Data Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Data Engineer in Seattle?
The average salary is $113,909 per year. ([payscale.com](https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job%3DData_Engineer/Salary/850615ce/Seattle-WA?utm_source=openai))
Which companies are hiring Data Engineers in Seattle?
Top companies include Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia Group, and Zillow.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect Data Engineer salaries?
Seattle's cost of living index is 144.0, significantly higher than the national average, which influences higher salary offerings. ([trpc.org](https://www.trpc.org/DocumentCenter/View/13163/10-ADDITIONAL-ATTACHMENT_trpc-030725_2024Q3_Coli-staff-report?utm_source=openai))
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