How much does a data engineer earn in 2025?

Data Engineer: A sought-after role in a digital society

With the strong digitalization of society as a whole, there has never been a greater need for skilled data engineers. In recent years, the job market for tech skills has exploded, and salary levels have thus increased for specialists in data and IT. But how much does a data engineer actually earn in 2025?

What does a data engineer do?

A data engineer develops, tests, and maintains IT systems and data structures, often focusing on big data, databases, or cloud-based solutions. The profession requires analytical skills, technical competence, and, not least, knowledge of modern programming languages and frameworks.

Updated salary statistics for data engineers in 2025

According to the latest available figures from SSB from 2024, adjusted for expected wage growth in the tech sector, the average monthly salary for data engineers has now surpassed 63,000 kroner gross per month. This corresponds to an annual salary of around 750,000 kroner before tax.

The salary level has risen significantly from previous years, particularly specialization in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data security leads to higher salaries. The most experienced and specialized data engineers can often achieve an annual salary between 900,000 and 1.2 million kroner.

• The average salary for newly graduated data engineers in 2025 is around 600,000–650,000 kroner annually.
• Senior engineers or leading specialists with more than five years of experience often earn between 850,000 and 1,200,000 kroner.
• Salary varies somewhat by industry, geography, and type of employer.

Source: Statistics Norway (SSB) table 11418 and salary statistics for information and communication.

Factors affecting your salary as a data engineer

A number of factors affect how much a data engineer actually earns. Among the most important are:

• Skills and education: A master's degree often provides a higher starting salary than a bachelor's.
• Experience: The number of years in the industry and completed projects matter a lot.
• Specialization: Expertise in security, cloud platforms, or AI often raises the salary.
• Employer: Large international companies typically pay more than public enterprises.
• Geography: The highest salary levels are found in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

Trends for data engineers in Norway

The tech sector remains highly attractive due to digitalization, increased use of cloud services, and significant investments in AI, both in the public and private sectors. There is therefore little reason to believe that the demand or salary levels will decline any time soon.

Examples of typical tasks for data engineers:

• Design and optimize databases and data models
• Implement data pipelines
• Collect, clean, and structure large datasets
• Contribute to development teams for large IT projects

How to land your dream job as a data engineer

To secure the most attractive positions, you should stay professionally updated, gain experience from relevant projects, and build a network in the industry. Certifications in cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) or machine learning can also pay off.

On Lønna.no, you can find available IT positions with indicated salary levels, and you can easily create a professional CV and applications that stand out to Norwegian employers.

Frequently asked questions about salaries for data engineers

What is the starting salary for data engineers in 2025?

Newly graduated data engineers often have a starting salary between 600,000 and 650,000 kroner annually.

What can an experienced data engineer expect in salary?

Senior engineers or specialists with more than five years of experience can often expect salaries over 900,000 kroner annually, depending on the sector and specialized competence.

How can I maximize my salary as a data engineer?

Acquire in-demand specialized skills, obtain certifications, and consider job opportunities in major cities or in the private sector for higher pay.

Summary

The salary level for data engineers in Norway reflects the strong demand for technical expertise. With the right experience and skills, there are good opportunities to earn well and find exciting, well-paying jobs. Use Lønna.no to see current job openings, compare salaries, and take your next career step in 2025!