Data Engineer Salary in Arlington, Virginia
The median data engineer salary in Arlington, VA is $175,000 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 25.0% above the Virginia state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)
Arlington offers a median data engineer salary of $175,000, which is $35,000 above the Virginia state average of $140,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Arlington pays above average for this role.
However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $175,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,576. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data engineers in Arlington spans from $109,200 at the 10th percentile to $266,000 at the 90th percentile — a $156,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $112,000, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $252,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Data Engineer Salary in Arlington by Experience
In Arlington, an entry-level data engineer earns around $112,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $252,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA
| Percentile | Arlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $109,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,000 |
| Median (50th) | $175,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $266,000 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Arlington
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Arlington
Browse open data engineer positions in Arlington, VA: