Overview Salaries

Director Engineering Salaries

Updated on Apr 10, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Director Engineering make?

The average salary for a Director Engineering is $200,254 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Director Engineering positions, showing an average salary of $200,254 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Director Engineering positions, showing an average salary of $200,254 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Director Engineering positions, showing an average salary of $200,254 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Director Engineering positions, showing an average salary of $200,254 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Directors of Engineering usually make a strong salary. The average yearly salary for these roles stands at around $200,254. This is a solid figure that reflects the importance of the role. People in this position oversee many engineering tasks and lead teams. Their expertise and responsibility draw such a competitive salary.

Salaries for Directors of Engineering can vary based on several factors. Some earn closer to $100,000 a year, while others may earn over $300,000. The range shows the diversity in compensation across different companies and industries. The highest earners typically work for large tech firms or in regions with high living costs. Each step up in experience and skills can lead to higher pay. This reflects the value that these professionals bring to their organizations.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Director Engineering?

Many job seekers search for high-paying positions in engineering. Director Engineering roles offer attractive salaries in several cities. San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, and San Jose lead with the highest average salaries for this role. These cities provide strong job markets and competitive pay for Directors of Engineering. Boston, Columbus, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Chicago also offer good opportunities with lower average salaries.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director Engineering jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $265,439 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $191,682.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $265,439
    In San Francisco, leaders in tech shape innovative projects. Companies like Google and Salesforce drive advancements in engineering. This city offers a dynamic environment for tech professionals.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $243,624
    Seattle is home to tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. Working here, you will lead projects that impact millions. The city values creativity and collaboration.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $229,847
    San Diego offers a blend of tech and beach life. With companies like Qualcomm, you will lead cutting-edge projects. The area supports a strong work-life balance.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $222,120
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is rich with tech opportunities. Working with companies like Adobe and eBay, you will drive tech innovation. The area attracts top engineering talent.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $209,417
    Boston offers a mix of history and innovation. Leading tech firms like General Electric and IBM thrive here. You will work on diverse projects that push technology forward.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $196,629
    In Columbus, you will lead engineering efforts for companies like Nationwide and Huntington Bank. This city supports growth and innovation in tech.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Columbus, OH


  7. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $195,028
    Atlanta is a growing tech hub. With companies like Coca-Cola and Delta, you will manage large-scale projects. The city offers many opportunities for career advancement.
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  8. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $192,128
    Charlotte is a financial tech center. Leading firms like Bank of America and Wells Fargo offer exciting projects. The area values teamwork and innovation.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Charlotte, NC


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $191,868
    Dallas has a thriving tech scene. Companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments provide dynamic projects. The city supports a strong professional community.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $191,682
    Chicago is a tech leader with companies like Groupon and Boeing. You will work on impactful projects that drive industry advancements. The city offers diverse career opportunities.
    Find Director Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Director Engineering can work for?

Many job seekers seek top-paying companies for Director Engineering roles. Wells Fargo leads with an average salary of $315,794. Other notable employers include Northrop Grumman at $265,862 and Skyworks Solutions at $252,325. High salaries can attract top talent, making these companies competitive. Liberty Mutual Insurance and CVS Health offer competitive pay, starting at $214,733 and $200,610, respectively. The Hartford and Optum also provide solid compensation, with averages around $189,366.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director Engineering jobs, highlighting Wells Fargo with the highest at $315,794 and S&P Global with the lowest at $169,063.

  1. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $315,794
    Wells Fargo offers exciting Director Engineering roles with a focus on innovation. This global company operates in many cities, including San Francisco, New York, and Charlotte. They provide a dynamic environment for those who want to lead large engineering teams and drive significant projects.


  2. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $265,862
    Northrop Grumman is known for its cutting-edge technology and defense projects. Director Engineering positions at Northrop Grumman are based in Falls Church, Virginia, and El Segundo, California. The company focuses on aerospace and defense, giving you the chance to lead projects that impact national security.


  3. Skyworks Solutions
    Average Salary: $252,325
    Skyworks Solutions specializes in semiconductor products. This company has offices in Woburn, Massachusetts, and around the world. As a Director of Engineering at Skyworks, you will lead teams that develop advanced semiconductor solutions for various industries.


  4. Liberty Mutual Insurance
    Average Salary: $214,733
    Liberty Mutual Insurance seeks talented Director Engineers to lead tech initiatives. They operate in Boston, Massachusetts, and other locations. At Liberty Mutual, you will drive projects that enhance customer service and operational efficiency.


  5. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $200,610
    CVS Health is a leader in health services. Director Engineering roles at CVS Health are based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and other cities. They focus on improving healthcare delivery through technology. If you want to work in a growing and impactful industry, this is an excellent choice.


  6. The Hartford
    Average Salary: $189,366
    The Hartford is a prominent insurance company with Director Engineering positions in Hartford, Connecticut, and other areas. They offer opportunities to lead tech projects that enhance customer service and operational efficiency.


  7. Optum
    Average Salary: $180,546
    Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, offers Director Engineering roles with a focus on health technology. They operate in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and other cities. If you want to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, this is an excellent choice.


  8. CBRE
    Average Salary: $176,283
    CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate services. They have Director Engineering roles in Los Angeles, California, and other locations. If you want to lead projects that shape the future of real estate, CBRE offers exciting opportunities.


  9. Fidelity Investments
    Average Salary: $169,472
    Fidelity Investments is a leading financial services firm. They offer Director Engineering roles in Boston, Massachusetts, and other areas. If you want to lead projects that impact millions of investors, Fidelity Investments is a great choice.


  10. S&P Global
    Average Salary: $169,063
    S&P Global provides financial market data and analysis. They have Director Engineering roles in New York, New York, and other locations. If you want to lead projects that impact the global financial industry, S&P Global offers exciting opportunities.

How to earn more as a Director Engineering?

A Director of Engineering can enhance their earnings through several key factors. First, gaining experience in multiple industries helps set apart a candidate. Companies value diverse perspectives and the ability to lead in varied contexts. Second, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can increase earning potential. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to the field and a deep understanding of engineering principles. Third, honing leadership skills is essential. Effective leaders can manage teams, drive projects to completion, and foster innovation. Fourth, mastering cutting-edge technologies can make a Director more valuable. Staying updated with the latest tools and techniques ensures competitiveness in the job market. Lastly, networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Directors of Engineering who focus on continuous improvement and adaptability find themselves in higher demand. Companies seek leaders who can navigate changes and drive progress. Engaging in professional development opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, keeps skills sharp and knowledge current. An active presence in professional organizations also opens doors to new possibilities. Building a strong reputation as a reliable and effective leader enhances job prospects. Keeping abreast of industry trends allows Directors to anticipate changes and position themselves as forward-thinking experts.

An effective Director of Engineering can boost earnings through strategic choices. Investing time in developing key competencies and expanding the professional network leads to more lucrative roles. Here are five factors that can help achieve higher pay:

  1. Industry Experience: Work in various sectors to gain a broad perspective.
  2. Advanced Credentials: Pursue higher education and certifications to demonstrate expertise.
  3. Leadership Skills: Develop abilities to manage teams and lead projects effectively.
  4. Technology Mastery: Stay updated with the latest tools and technologies in engineering.
  5. Networking: Build connections with other professionals to discover new opportunities.

Currently 139 Director Engineering job openings, nationwide.

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Director Engineering
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