How much does a Director Engineering make?
Directors of Engineering earn a strong salary, with an average yearly income of $196,494. This role involves leading a team of engineers, developing strategies, and ensuring that projects meet goals. The experience and skill level of the Director can affect the exact salary. Companies value their leadership and technical knowledge, which often results in a competitive salary.
The salary for Directors of Engineering can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the company, the industry, and the location. Some Directors in larger companies or tech hubs might earn even more, sometimes reaching close to $320,000 annually. On the lower end, some Directors might earn around $95,000. This range shows that there are many opportunities and that experience and expertise can lead to higher earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Director Engineering?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $263,837
Leading engineering teams in San Francisco offers a unique chance to work with top tech firms like Google and Salesforce. The city's innovation-driven culture ensures constant learning and growth opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $243,390
In Seattle, leading engineering teams means collaborating with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's focus on tech and innovation provides a dynamic work environment.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $228,795
San Jose is a tech hub, home to companies like Apple and Intel. Leading engineering teams here means contributing to cutting-edge projects and technologies.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $224,616
In San Diego, working as an engineering leader involves partnering with firms like Qualcomm and eBay. The city’s strong tech community offers many opportunities for collaboration.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $203,950
Boston is a center for innovation, with companies like Liberty Mutual and Harvard University. Leading engineering teams here means tackling challenging projects in a historic and vibrant city.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $196,621
Columbus offers a balanced environment with companies like Nationwide and Ohio State University. Leading engineering teams here means working in a growing tech scene.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $195,172
In Phoenix, leading engineering teams allows for work with companies like US Airways and Freeport-McMoRan. The city’s warm climate and growing tech industry make it an attractive place to work.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $192,017
Charlotte hosts companies like Bank of America and Duke Energy. Leading engineering teams here means contributing to the financial and tech sectors in a rapidly growing city.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $188,639
Chicago offers a mix of tech and industry leadership with firms like JPMorgan Chase and Boeing. Leading engineering teams here means being part of a historic and innovative city.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $187,193
In Austin, leading engineering teams means working with companies like Dell and Google. The city’s vibrant culture and tech growth offer many opportunities for professionals.
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What are the best companies a Director Engineering can work for?

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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $315,794
Wells Fargo offers Director Engineering jobs with a focus on innovation and technology. They operate in major cities across the U.S., including San Francisco, New York, and Charlotte.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $251,787
Skyworks Solutions provides Director Engineering roles with an emphasis on semiconductor technology. They are headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, with other locations in Asia and Europe.
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Average Salary: $214,700
Liberty Mutual Insurance hires Directors of Engineering for its tech division. They have offices in Boston, Hartford, and other key cities in the U.S.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $201,085
CVS Health offers Director Engineering jobs focused on healthcare technology. Their main offices are in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, with locations nationwide.
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The Hartford
Average Salary: $190,644
The Hartford provides Director Engineering roles with an emphasis on financial technology. They operate in Hartford, Connecticut, and other major U.S. cities.
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Optum
Average Salary: $180,590
Optum offers Director Engineering jobs in health services technology. They are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with offices across the U.S.
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CBRE
Average Salary: $176,814
CBRE provides Director Engineering roles in real estate technology. They operate in major cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, New York, and Sydney.
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Travelers
Average Salary: $172,636
Travelers offers Director Engineering jobs focused on insurance technology. They have offices in St. Louis, Missouri, and other key locations.
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S&P Global
Average Salary: $169,063
S&P Global hires Directors of Engineering for financial data and analytics. They are based in New York, with offices in London, Hong Kong, and other global locations.
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Fidelity Investments
Average Salary: $166,471
Fidelity Investments offers Director Engineering jobs in investment technology. They are headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with offices nationwide.
How to earn more as a Director Engineering?
Aspiring engineering directors often seek ways to advance their careers and increase their earnings. Strategic moves can lead to better compensation and professional growth. One key strategy is to enhance technical and leadership skills. Mastering advanced engineering concepts and leadership techniques can position an individual for higher-paying roles.
Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Building strong professional relationships can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can open doors to new roles. Collaboration with other industry leaders can also lead to higher-paying opportunities. Each step taken towards continuous improvement and networking can contribute to greater financial rewards.
Consider the following factors to increase earnings as a Director of Engineering:
- Advanced education: Pursuing higher degrees or certifications can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Experience: Gaining experience in various engineering roles can make an individual more attractive to employers.
- Leadership skills: Developing strong leadership and management skills can open up opportunities for higher-level roles.
- Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships can lead to better job opportunities.
- Specialization: Focusing on a niche area of engineering can make an individual more valuable to employers.



