Salary for Senior-level / Expert Data Infrastructure Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Data Infrastructure Engineer salary lies between USD 137,600 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Data Infrastructure Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Data Infrastructure Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and AWS. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 35 jobs Python | 32 jobs AWS | 30 jobs Pipelines | 28 jobs Spark | 26 jobs Kafka | 23 jobs Security | 23 jobs Data pipelines | 23 jobs Kubernetes | 21 jobs Terraform | 21 jobs SQL | 20 jobs Big Data | 19 jobs Architecture | 18 jobs Computer Science | 18 jobs GCP | 17 jobs Java | 17 jobs Machine Learning | 15 jobs Airflow | 15 jobs CI/CD | 15 jobs Flink | 13 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Data Infrastructure Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Data Infrastructure Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 33 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Equity / stock options | 27 jobs Flex hours | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Insurance | 17 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Competitive pay | 13 jobs Team events | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 12 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert Data Infrastructure Engineer typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The fixed base salary is often the largest portion, providing a stable income. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual contributions, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the total compensation package. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and more substantial equity options compared to other regions. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and healthcare sectors might offer higher bonuses, while tech companies might provide more in stock options. Company size can influence the package, with larger companies offering more structured bonuses and smaller companies potentially offering more equity.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 175,800, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Data Infrastructure Manager or Director of Data Engineering. These positions often come with higher compensation packages. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like cloud infrastructure, big data technologies, or AI/ML can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Another strategy is to negotiate your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities. Continuous learning and obtaining advanced certifications can also justify a salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Data Infrastructure Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree or even a Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles in research-intensive industries or companies that prioritize advanced technical expertise. A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science is essential, as is proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or Scala.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Some valuable certifications include:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Demonstrates proficiency in designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS.
• Google Professional Data Engineer: Validates skills in designing, building, and operationalizing data processing systems.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate: Focuses on implementing data solutions using Azure services.
• Cloudera Certified Data Engineer: Highlights expertise in data engineering on the Cloudera platform.

These certifications can help differentiate you from other candidates and may lead to higher salary offers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Data Infrastructure Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in data engineering or related fields. This experience should include designing and managing data infrastructure, working with big data technologies like Hadoop or Spark, and proficiency in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Experience in leading projects or teams can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates leadership capabilities and the ability to manage complex systems.

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