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Freelance Data Engineer

Average rate

$83/hr

+11.7% YoY

Typical range

$50–$100

25th–75th percentile

Submissions

305

Updated March 2026

Top market

New Zealand

$120/hr typical

High confidenceMost common skills: python, sql, and aws.What would $83/hr earn in a year? →

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Freelance Data Engineer rate trends

Average hourly rate by year

Rate distribution

Rate by experience level

🐧 From the team behind ContractRates

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Frequently asked questions

How much do freelance Data Engineers charge per hour?
Based on 305 crowdsourced submissions, freelance Data Engineers charge an average of $83 per hour, with most rates falling between $50 and $100. Last updated March 2026.
What do top-earning freelance Data Engineers make?
The top 10% of Data Engineer submissions report $150 per hour or more. Rates at that level usually reflect deep specialization, senior experience, and clients in high-paying markets.
Which skills matter most for Data Engineer rates?
The most common skills in Data Engineer submissions are python, sql, and aws. Specializing in in-demand skills is one of the most reliable ways to justify a higher rate.
Where does this Data Engineer rate data come from?
Every rate is anonymously submitted by a real freelancer, consultant, or contractor and passes moderation before publication. contractrates.fyi is free and community funded.

Charged by the project instead? Browse project-based rates.

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