Salary for Executive-level / Director Data Engineer during 2023

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Data Engineer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 225,000 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: Nov. 17, 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, Architecture and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 174 jobs Architecture | 105 jobs Python | 100 jobs Spark | 95 jobs Agile | 90 jobs Pipelines | 88 jobs Machine Learning | 87 jobs Computer Science | 87 jobs SQL | 86 jobs Big Data | 83 jobs Java | 81 jobs Hadoop | 74 jobs AWS | 73 jobs Data pipelines | 72 jobs ETL | 62 jobs Streaming | 62 jobs Security | 61 jobs Azure | 61 jobs Scala | 60 jobs GCP | 60 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, Startup environment and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 142 jobs Startup environment | 97 jobs Health care | 78 jobs Flex hours | 52 jobs Flex vacation | 42 jobs Equity / stock options | 41 jobs Insurance | 41 jobs Salary bonus | 39 jobs Competitive pay | 38 jobs Parental leave | 32 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Wellness | 25 jobs 401(k) matching | 21 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Gear | 15 jobs Home office stipend | 13 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Fitness / gym | 10 jobs Conferences | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs

Salary Composition

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 is often the largest component, providing a stable income. Performance bonuses are usually tied to individual, team, or company performance metrics and can vary significantly. Additional remuneration might include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks.

• Region: Salaries can vary widely depending on the region. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher salaries to offset the high cost of living. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer lower base salaries but could compensate with other benefits.

• Industry: Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology tend to offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of data in these fields.

• Company Size: Larger companies often have more resources to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. However, startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with significant equity stakes.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging technologies and methodologies in AI/ML and data science. This could involve learning new programming languages, mastering advanced data analytics tools, or gaining expertise in cloud computing.

• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to take on more leadership responsibilities, such as leading larger teams or managing cross-functional projects. This demonstrates your capability to handle more significant challenges and can justify a salary increase.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry. This can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles and provide insights into industry salary standards.

• Negotiation: When discussing salary, be prepared to negotiate. Research industry standards and be ready to present your achievements and contributions to the company as leverage.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level data engineering roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related field. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially in competitive markets. Advanced degrees often provide a deeper understanding of complex data systems and analytical techniques, which are crucial for high-level decision-making.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field:

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP): This certification covers a broad range of data management skills and is recognized globally.

• AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty: This certification is beneficial if you are working with AWS technologies and want to demonstrate your expertise in big data solutions.

• Google Professional Data Engineer: This certification is ideal for those working with Google Cloud Platform and focuses on designing, building, and operationalizing data processing systems.

Required Experience

Typically, a director-level data engineering role requires at least 8-10 years of experience in data engineering or related fields. This experience should include a proven track record of managing data projects, leading teams, and implementing data solutions that drive business value. Experience in strategic planning and execution is also crucial, as these roles often involve aligning data strategies with business objectives.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?