Data Engineer Salary in San Jose, California
The median data engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $228,750 per year, which is 83.0% above the national median and 19.6% above the California state average.
Data Engineer Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)
San Jose offers a median data engineer salary of $228,750, which is $37,500 above the California state average of $191,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, San Jose pays above average for this role.
However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $228,750 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $136,161. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data engineers in San Jose spans from $142,740 at the 10th percentile to $347,700 at the 90th percentile — a $204,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $146,400, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $329,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Data Engineer Salary in San Jose by Experience
In San Jose, an entry-level data engineer earns around $146,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $329,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA
| Percentile | San Jose |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $142,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $183,000 |
| Median (50th) | $228,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $289,140 |
| 90th Percentile | $347,700 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in San Jose
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Jose and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in San Jose
Browse open data engineer positions in San Jose, CA: