Technology Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #22 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median data engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $122,500 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$122,500
vs National
$-2,500
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #22 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for data engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $122,500 per year, data engineers in Pennsylvania earn $2,500 less than the national median of $125,000.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning data engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $76,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $186,200 — a $109,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $130,000.

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 Pennsylvania and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level data engineer earns around $78,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,400 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,460
$-2,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,400
$-3,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $122,500
75th Percentile $154,840
90th Percentile $186,200

Data Engineer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for data engineers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Data Engineer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Data Engineer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median data engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $122,500 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $186,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,500, a data engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for data engineers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #22 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $78,400, while senior professionals earn $176,400.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. Pennsylvania's median of $122,500 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($123,750) and Nevada ($123,750).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $78,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,460. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $176,400.
What city in Pennsylvania pays data engineers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for data engineers, with a median salary of $130,000. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.