Technology New Jersey (NJ) Rank #7 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in New Jersey

The median data engineer salary in New Jersey is $151,250 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$151,250
vs National
+$26,250
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for data engineers seeking high pay. At $151,250 per year, data engineers in New Jersey earn $26,250 more than the national median of $125,000.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $151,250 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $131,522.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $94,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $229,900 — a $135,520 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $167,500.

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Jersey and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level data engineer earns around $96,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $217,800 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,670
+$26,670 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$217,800
+$37,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $94,380
25th Percentile $121,000
Median (50th) $151,250
75th Percentile $191,180
90th Percentile $229,900

Data Engineer Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for data engineers in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Data Engineer in New Jersey

Education

Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Data Engineer make in New Jersey? ▼
The median data engineer salary in New Jersey is $151,250 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $94,380 (10th percentile) to $229,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,250, a data engineer in New Jersey earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for data engineers? ▼
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $96,800, while senior professionals earn $217,800.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. New Jersey's median of $151,250 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($158,750) and Alaska ($151,250).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in New Jersey earns approximately $96,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $153,670. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $217,800.
What city in New Jersey pays data engineers the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for data engineers, with a median salary of $167,500. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.