Data Scientist vs Software Engineer
Data Scientists and Software Engineers both write code, but they optimise for different outcomes. Data Scientists extract insight from data — modelling, experimentation and statistical analysis. Software Engineers build the systems those insights run on. The gap in required skills, pay and hiring volume tells a clear story about where each role sits in the modern tech org.
Data Scientist
1,574
open roles
Software Engineer
8,202
open roles
What the data shows
Software Engineer roles account for 84% of active listings between these two roles — 6,628 more open positions than Data Scientist right now.
Software Engineer commands a higher median salary — $138,341 vs $126,134 — a gap of roughly 10%. Both roles show meaningful upside at the 75th percentile.
Software Engineer skews more remote-friendly — 23% of listings offer remote work vs 15% for Data Scientist, a 8-point difference.
Software Engineer skews more senior — 58% of its listings target senior-level candidates, reflecting the depth of specialization the role demands.
Salary comparison
Data Scientist
P25
$81,892
Median
$126,134
P75
$161,725
Software Engineer
P25
$90,000
Median
$138,341
P75
$183,381
Salary estimates derived from active listings that include explicit pay ranges. Midpoint of stated range used to compute percentiles.
Shared skills
These skills appear in the top 12 for both roles — useful if you're considering a transition or working across both areas.
Data from active job listings · Updated hourly