Data Engineer
$117,500
avg. annual salary
React Developer
pays more on average
React Developer
$120,730
avg. annual salary
In today's job market, understanding the financial landscape of various tech roles is crucial for career planning. Data Engineers and React Developers are two highly sought-after positions in the technology sector, each with unique responsibilities and skill sets. Data Engineers focus on managing and processing vast amounts of data, while React Developers build dynamic front-end interfaces for web applications. This page delves into a detailed salary comparison for these roles in 2025, examining not only their average salaries but also the benefits, job growth prospects, and expected career paths. Whether you're looking to enter the field or pivot your career, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (3%)
Average Salaries Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for a Data Engineer is approximately $120,000, while a React Developer earns around $105,000 annually. These figures stem from various industry reports, reflecting the varying demand for skills in data management versus front-end development.
Salary Range by Experience
Data Engineers typically experience a salary range from $90,000 to $150,000 based on experience level. Entry-level positions start around $90,000, whereas senior roles can command upwards of $150,000.
In contrast, React Developers have a salary range from $80,000 to $130,000, with entry-level roles starting at about $80,000 and senior positions reaching $130,000.
Factors Affecting Salaries
Several factors influence salaries for both Data Engineers and React Developers. These include geographic location, company size, industry, and level of expertise.
For instance, positions in tech hubs like San Francisco may offer higher salaries for both roles due to increased demand and higher living costs.
Career Path and Growth Opportunities
Both Data Engineers and React Developers have strong career growth prospects. Data Engineers often advance to roles such as Data Architect or Machine Learning Engineer, leveraging their deep knowledge of data workflows.
React Developers can progress to Senior Developer or Front-End Architect roles, focusing on scalable application design and user experience.
Benefits and Work-Life Balance
Benefits often vary between companies, but both Data Engineers and React Developers typically enjoy competitive packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and remote work options. While work-life balance can depend on the specific employer, both roles generally offer flexibility, especially in tech-focused companies.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Data Engineer vs React Developer (2025)
### Snapshot
- •Median US base pay (2025 estimate): Data Engineer $130,000; React Developer $115,000.
- •Senior roles: Data Engineer $160k–$210k total comp; Senior React Developer $140k–$185k.
### Compensation components
- •Bonuses: Data Engineers 5%–12% of base; React Developers 3%–8%.
- •Equity: Common at startups for React roles; large tech grants favor data roles tied to ML pipelines.
### Real-world examples
- •SF Bay Area: add ~25% premium; Remote roles vary ±10%.
- •Small fintech: Data Engineers can command +15% if they own ETL and streaming.
Takeaway: target 8%–12% above posted salary for Data Engineers and 5%–10% for React Developers during negotiation, and quantify impact (e. g.
, reduced pipeline latency, improved page load) to justify requests.
Key Factors That Drive Salary Differences
### Primary drivers
- •Skill set: Cloud (AWS/GCP), Spark, and Python boost Data Engineer pay by ~10%–15%; React + TypeScript and performance optimization add 7%–12% for React Developers.
- •Experience level: Expect ~40% pay jump from mid (3–5 yrs) to senior (6+ yrs).
### Contextual factors
- •Industry: Finance and ad tech typically pay 10%–30% above average.
- •Location and remote: City premiums (SF, NYC) up to +30%; remote roles may be -5% to +10% depending on company policy.
- •Company size: Startups favor equity; large companies offer larger bonuses and stability.
Actionable takeaway: prioritize one high-value skill (e. g.
, stream processing or SSR) and quantify results to capture a 7%–15% salary boost.