Software Engineer vs Data Scientist: Salary Comparison
Software Engineers earn $21K more per year than Data Scientists on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Software Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,200 | $103,500 |
| Entry Level | $85,000 | $75,000 |
| Senior Level | $180,000 | $155,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $60/hr | $50/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's in Computer Science | Bachelor's or Master's in Data Science |
| Category | Technology | Technology |
Which Pays More?
On average, Software Engineers earn $21K more per year than Data Scientists, with a median salary of $124,200 versus $103,500. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Data Scientist in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $201,500 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Software Engineer. Education and credentials also play a role: Software Engineers typically require Bachelor's in Computer Science, while Data Scientists need Bachelor's or Master's in Data Science. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Software Engineer has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Software Engineer | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $176,000 | $147,000 |
| California | $171,000 | $143,000 |
| New York | $159,000 | $132,000 |
| Alaska | $155,000 | $129,000 |
| Massachusetts | $155,000 | $129,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Software Engineer or Data Scientist pay more?
Software Engineer pays more on average at $124,200/year, compared to $103,500/year for Data Scientist — a difference of $20,700/year.
What is the salary difference between Software Engineer and Data Scientist?
The median salary gap is $20,700/year ($21K), with Software Engineer earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Software Engineer or Data Scientist?
Software Engineer grows from $85,000 to $180,000 (a $95,000 increase). Data Scientist grows from $75,000 to $155,000 (a $80,000 increase). Software Engineer shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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