Hiring a data engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
436 open postings ask for a data engineer as of Nov 11, 2026, from 128 employers. The median advertised pay is $138,075, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 177 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 287 postings with pay
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a data engineer?
Hard. 128 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Booz Allen Hamilton with 62 open postings.
What should I pay a data engineer?
Advertised pay centers on $138,075. The middle half runs from $125,875 to $160,000.
Where is a data engineer being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (107), California (35) and Maryland (33). Together they hold 40% of its 436 open postings.
Who can help me hire a data engineer?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.