Data Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia
The median data engineer salary in Athens, GA is $116,250 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Georgia state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)
Athens offers a median data engineer salary of $116,250, which is $3,750 below the Georgia state average of $120,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for data engineers in Athens spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $176,700 at the 90th percentile — a $104,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,400, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,400. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Data Engineer Salary in Athens by Experience
In Athens, an entry-level data engineer earns around $74,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA
| Percentile | Athens |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,000 |
| Median (50th) | $116,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,700 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other Georgia Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Athens
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia 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 Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Athens
Browse open data engineer positions in Athens, GA: