How much does a Director Engineering make?
A Director of Engineering often plays a key role in a company's technical direction. They lead teams and manage projects. This job is highly valued, and the salary reflects that. On average, a Director of Engineering makes about $199,778 each year. This means they earn a good living.
When looking at specific salaries, they can range quite a bit. Here are some examples:
- 10% earn around $100,650
- 20% earn around $120,582
- 30% earn around $140,514
- 40% earn around $160,445
- 50% earn around $180,377
- 60% earn around $200,309
- 70% earn around $220,241
- 80% earn around $240,173
- 90% earn around $260,105
- 97% earn around $280,036
What are the highest paying cities for a Director Engineering?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $267,785
In San Francisco, technology leaders drive innovation. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer cutting-edge projects. The tech scene is vibrant with endless opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $243,624
Seattle has a growing tech hub, with Amazon and Microsoft leading the way. Engineering roles focus on software development and cloud services. The city values a collaborative work culture.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $228,936
San Diego boasts a booming tech industry. Qualcomm and multiple startups create a dynamic environment. Professionals enjoy a mix of innovation and quality of life.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $223,478
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Companies like Intel and Cisco offer advanced engineering roles. The city's fast-paced tech environment fosters growth and creativity.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $208,151
Boston combines tech innovation with a rich history. Companies like IBM and Fidelity attract top talent. The city's education institutions add to its vibrant tech scene.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $200,871
Columbus is a growing tech hub with strong companies like Nationwide. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of job opportunities. It's a great place for engineering leaders.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $195,172
Phoenix offers a warm climate and a growing tech sector. Companies like Intel and GoDaddy provide diverse engineering challenges. The city is welcoming to career growth.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $193,450
Atlanta has a thriving tech community with companies like Coca-Cola and Delta. The city's diverse economy offers varied engineering opportunities. It's an excellent place for leaders to advance.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $192,174
Charlotte is a financial and tech hub with Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The city offers strong engineering roles and a growing tech scene. Professionals enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $191,360
Chicago is a major tech center with companies like Google and IBM. The city offers a mix of traditional industry and innovative tech roles. It's an exciting place for engineering leaders.
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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 financial technology. This company operates nationwide, with major offices in San Francisco, New York, and Charlotte.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $262,662
Northrop Grumman provides exciting Director Engineering roles in aerospace and defense. The company has key locations in Falls Church, VA, and El Segundo, CA.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $252,135
Skyworks Solutions has Director Engineering jobs in semiconductor technology. They have major offices in Woburn, MA, and Shanghai, China.
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Average Salary: $214,700
Liberty Mutual Insurance offers Director Engineering roles with an emphasis on digital transformation. The company operates out of Boston, MA, and several other global locations.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $201,085
CVS Health provides Director Engineering jobs focusing on health care technology. This company is headquartered in Woonsocket, RI, with locations across the U.S.
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The Hartford
Average Salary: $191,017
The Hartford offers Director Engineering roles in the insurance industry. They have major offices in Hartford, CT, and several other locations nationwide.
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Optum
Average Salary: $180,640
Optum provides Director Engineering jobs focused on health services and technology. The company operates out of Eden Prairie, MN, and multiple other locations.
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CBRE
Average Salary: $176,283
CBRE offers Director Engineering roles in real estate technology. They have key offices in Los Angeles, CA, and many other global locations.
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S&P Global
Average Salary: $169,063
S&P Global provides Director Engineering jobs in financial data and analytics. They have major offices in New York, NY, and London, UK.
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Fidelity Investments
Average Salary: $167,157
Fidelity Investments offers Director Engineering roles focusing on investment technology. The company operates from Boston, MA, and several other locations.
How to earn more as a Director Engineering?
A Director of Engineering can increase their earnings by focusing on a few key factors. Building a strong network within the industry allows for more job opportunities and higher salary offers. Gaining certifications and continuing education keeps skills sharp and makes a candidate more valuable. Effective leadership skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Negotiating salary and benefits properly is also crucial. Staying updated with the latest industry trends can set a Director of Engineering apart.
To maximize potential earnings, Directors of Engineering should focus on these factors. Firstly, having a robust professional network can lead to more job offers and higher salaries. Secondly, obtaining certifications and continuous education ensures that skills remain relevant and competitive. Effective leadership skills can significantly increase a Director of Engineering’s value and pay. Proper negotiation during job offers can lead to better compensation packages. Lastly, staying informed about industry trends and advancements can open up new opportunities and higher-paying roles.
Here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Build a strong professional network to increase visibility and job opportunities.
- Pursue certifications and continuous education to enhance skills.
- Develop strong leadership abilities to take on higher-paying roles.
- Master the art of salary negotiation to secure better compensation.
- Stay updated with industry trends to remain competitive.



