Data Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 compensation data for Data Engineer positions in Seattle, WA. Ranges from $98,000 (entry-level) to $256,000 (senior). Median: $168,000.
Median (Mid)
$168,000
$80.77/hr
vs National
+2%
US: $165,000
COL Index
155
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$256,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $98,000 | $120,000 | $146,000 | $57.69/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $140,000 | $168,000 | $195,000 | $80.77/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $183,000 | $217,000 | $256,000 | $104.33/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Seattle
A mid-level data engineer earning $168,000 in Seattle has the same buying power as $108,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 155).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Data Engineer Salaries in Seattle
The median data engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $168,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 2% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 155 (national average = 100), Seattle offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level data engineers in Seattle can expect to earn between $98,000 and $146,000 (about $57.69/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $256,000 ($256K annually, or about $123.08/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Seattle
What is the average Data Engineer salary in Seattle?+
The average Data Engineer salary in Seattle is $168,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $120,000 and senior-level pay reaches $217,000.
How much does an entry-level data engineer make in Seattle?+
Entry-level data engineers in Seattle earn between $98,000 and $146,000, with a median of $120,000 per year (about $57.69/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Data Engineer in Seattle?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Data Engineer in Seattle earns roughly $57.69/hour at entry-level, $80.77/hour at mid-level, and $104.33/hour at senior-level.
Is the Data Engineer salary in Seattle higher than the US average?+
Yes — Data Engineer salaries in Seattle are about 2% higher than the US national median of $165,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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