Salary for Executive-level / Director Data Engineer during 2022

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Data Engineer salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 297,500 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Data Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Data Engineer job listings are Engineering, Machine Learning and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 106 jobs Machine Learning | 63 jobs Python | 60 jobs Agile | 56 jobs Pipelines | 56 jobs SQL | 54 jobs AWS | 50 jobs Security | 46 jobs Data pipelines | 44 jobs ETL | 40 jobs Architecture | 38 jobs Big Data | 34 jobs Spark | 34 jobs Computer Science | 31 jobs Kafka | 29 jobs Hadoop | 28 jobs NoSQL | 27 jobs GCP | 27 jobs Streaming | 27 jobs Airflow | 25 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Data Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Data Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 91 jobs Health care | 46 jobs Startup environment | 43 jobs Competitive pay | 30 jobs Flex hours | 28 jobs Team events | 25 jobs Insurance | 25 jobs Flex vacation | 23 jobs Medical leave | 22 jobs Equity / stock options | 21 jobs Salary bonus | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs 401(k) matching | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Conferences | 11 jobs Flexible spending account | 11 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 8 jobs Yoga | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level Data Engineers

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Data Engineer typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for 60-70% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech giants and startups in Silicon Valley might offer substantial equity to attract top talent, whereas companies in other regions or industries might offer less. In larger companies, the total compensation package might be higher due to the availability of more resources, while smaller companies might offer competitive packages to attract skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from an Executive-level Data Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Skill Set: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML and data engineering. Specializing in emerging areas like AI ethics, data privacy, or advanced machine learning techniques can make you more valuable.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transitioning into roles with greater responsibility, such as Chief Data Officer or VP of Data Science, can lead to higher compensation.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry leaders and participate in conferences or seminars. Networking can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the organization. Be prepared to negotiate for better terms, including bonuses and stock options.

Educational Requirements

For an Executive-level Data Engineer role, a strong educational background is essential. Most professionals in this position hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially in larger organizations or more competitive industries. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex data systems and algorithms, which is crucial for strategic decision-making at the executive level.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• Google Professional Data Engineer
• AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate

These certifications can validate your skills in data management, cloud computing, and data engineering, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level positions.

Required Experience

Typically, an Executive-level Data Engineer is expected to have at least 10-15 years of experience in data engineering, data science, or related fields. This experience should include a proven track record of managing large-scale data projects, leading teams, and implementing data strategies that align with business goals. Experience in various industries can also be beneficial, as it provides a broader perspective on how data can drive business success.

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