Discover Your Worth: Data Engineering Intern Salary Insights for
USA (2025)

To negotiate a higher salary for a data engineering intern position, research the average salaries for similar roles in your location and industry. Leverage your skills, experience, and academic achievements to justify your desired salary. Prepare a list of your accomplishments and the value you can bring to the company. During the negotiation, be confident, polite, and flexible. Consider other benefits like learning opportunities, mentorship, and potential for full-time employment. If the company cannot meet your salary expectations, try to negotiate additional perks or benefits that can compensate for the lower pay. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your value and find a mutually beneficial agreement.

Generally, remote data engineering intern positions offer salaries comparable to on-site roles. However, some companies may adjust salaries based on the cost of living in the intern's location. For example, interns living in cities with a lower cost of living may receive slightly lower salaries compared to those in high-cost areas. On the other hand, some companies maintain consistent salary ranges regardless of location to ensure fair compensation. Remote interns can also save on commuting and relocation costs, which can offset any potential salary differences. Ultimately, the salary for remote intern positions depends on the company's policies and the specific role requirements.

Data engineering interns who successfully transition to full-time roles can expect a significant salary increase. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for data engineering interns in the US is around $30 to $40 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of $62,400 to $83,200 for a full-time position. Upon transitioning to a full-time entry-level data engineer role, the average salary jumps to $97,324 per year. As data engineers gain experience and take on more responsibilities, their salaries continue to grow. Senior data engineers with 5+ years of experience can earn an average of $130,000 to $160,000 annually, with some even reaching over $200,000 in high-cost areas or at top-tier companies.

To increase their salary potential, data engineering interns should focus on developing a strong foundation in key technical skills. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and Scala, as well as experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Hive, are highly valued. Familiarity with data warehousing solutions like Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Snowflake can also boost earning potential. Additionally, interns who demonstrate strong SQL skills and experience with data modeling, ETL processes, and data pipelines are highly sought after. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration are also crucial. By continually learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, data engineering interns can position themselves for higher-paying opportunities.

The demand for data engineering interns varies across different cities and regions in the USA, with higher concentrations in tech hubs and major metropolitan areas. San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Seattle, Boston, and Washington D.C. are among the top locations with a high demand for data engineering interns due to the presence of numerous tech companies, startups, and data-driven industries. These cities also tend to offer higher salaries to attract top talent. However, the competition for intern positions in these areas can be fierce. Other growing tech hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham are also seeing an increased demand for data engineering interns, often with slightly lower costs of living. As remote work becomes more prevalent, opportunities for data engineering interns are expanding beyond traditional tech centers, providing more options for aspiring professionals across the country.