Data Modeler Salary Guide

Data Modelers design, document, and maintain logical and physical data models that support analytics, reporting and operational systems. They translate business requirements into entity-relationship and dimensional models, standardize data definitions, optimize schemas for performance, and collaborate with data architects, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure data consistency and usability.

What is the average Data Modeler salary?

Entry Level

$70,000 - $95,000

Mid Level

$95,000 - $140,000

Senior Level

$140,000 - $190,000

How does Data Modeler salary grow with experience?

$70,000 - $95,000

0-2

$95,000 - $125,000

3-5

$125,000 - $160,000

6-9

$150,000 - $200,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $200k

Data Modeler salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$130,000 - $200,000

New York City, NY$120,000 - $185,000

Seattle, WA$120,000 - $180,000

Austin, TX$100,000 - $155,000

Remote (US market-adjusted)$90,000 - $170,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Data Modeler's salary?

Technical skill set (ER/Studio, ERwin, SQL, dimensional modeling, cloud warehouses like Snowflake/Redshift)
Industry/domain expertise (finance, healthcare, retail can command premiums)
Location and market demand (tech hubs and remote market adjustments)
Scope and seniority (enterprise-wide modeling, architecture responsibilities, team leadership)
Certifications and education (relevant certifications, advanced degrees, security clearances where applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Modeler Salaries

What is the average salary for a Data Modeler?

Average Data Modeler pay depends on level: entry $70k–$95k, mid $95k–$140k, senior $140k–$190k annually in the U.S., varying by location and industry.

Which skills increase a Data Modeler's salary the most?

High-impact skills include enterprise data modeling, dimensional modeling, ER/Studio or ERwin expertise, SQL and performance tuning, cloud data platform experience (Snowflake, Redshift), and domain knowledge (finance, healthcare).

How does location affect Data Modeler pay?

Salaries are significantly higher in major tech hubs (SF Bay Area, NYC, Seattle) and for remote roles tied to those markets; cost of living and local demand drive the differences.

What experience level qualifies as a senior Data Modeler?

Senior Data Modelers typically have 7+ years of hands-on data modeling and architecture experience, proven delivery of enterprise models, mentorship experience, and advanced tooling or cloud platform expertise.