How much does a Director of Engineering make?
A Director of Engineering plays a key role in guiding a company's technical direction. This leadership position often comes with a rewarding salary. On average, Directors of Engineering earn about $151,319 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, industry, and company size.
The salary range for this role can be quite broad. At the lower end, some Directors earn around $65,000 annually. At the higher end, salaries can reach up to $284,000 per year. Many factors influence these figures, including the company's revenue, location, and the specific responsibilities of the role. Directors in tech hubs or large corporations often see higher salaries compared to those in smaller firms or different regions.
What are the highest paying cities for a Director of Engineering?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $225,048
In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $221,634
San Jose is a tech hub. Companies such as Cisco and Intel provide dynamic environments. The city's strong tech community supports professional growth.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $163,018
Salt Lake City offers a growing tech scene. Companies like Qualtrics and Adobe provide innovative projects. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $162,736
Dallas boasts a thriving tech industry. Companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments offer diverse opportunities. The city's business-friendly environment supports career advancement.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $161,064
Rochester is a hub for tech and healthcare. Companies like Eastman Kodak and Wegmans provide unique challenges. The city's strong community spirit enhances the work experience.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $160,857
Seattle is a tech powerhouse. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer cutting-edge projects. The city's vibrant lifestyle complements the professional environment.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $158,224
Los Angeles offers a diverse tech landscape. Companies such as Google and Activision Blizzard provide exciting opportunities. The city's entertainment industry adds to the dynamic work culture.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $157,589
Boulder combines tech innovation with a healthy lifestyle. Companies like Google and MongoDB offer engaging projects. The city's outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $157,034
Boston is a center for tech and education. Companies like IBM and Fidelity offer rich opportunities. The city's historic charm adds to the professional experience.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $156,396
Chicago offers a vibrant tech scene. Companies such as Google and Citadel provide dynamic projects. The city's diverse culture enriches the work environment.
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What are the best companies a Director of Engineering can work for?

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PwC
Average Salary: $233,317
PwC offers exciting roles for Director of Engineering. They operate globally, with a strong presence in major cities like New York, London, and Sydney. At PwC, Directors of Engineering lead teams to develop innovative solutions for clients.
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Motion Recruitment
Average Salary: $192,977
Motion Recruitment provides high-paying positions for Director of Engineering. They work with clients across the UK, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Directors here focus on driving engineering projects and improving operational efficiency.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $183,600
Deloitte is a top choice for Director of Engineering roles. They have offices worldwide, with key locations in New York, San Francisco, and London. At Deloitte, Directors lead technical teams and work on complex projects for clients.
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Merck
Average Salary: $177,028
Merck offers rewarding Director of Engineering positions. They operate in many countries, including the USA and Germany. Directors here manage engineering teams to develop new pharmaceutical products and technologies.
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Vestal Corporation
Average Salary: $176,638
Vestal Corporation provides competitive salaries for Director of Engineering. They have offices in the USA and Europe. Directors lead engineering teams to innovate and improve manufacturing processes.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $172,649
CyberCoders offers attractive roles for Director of Engineering. They work with clients in major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago. Directors here focus on developing software and IT solutions.
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S&P Global
Average Salary: $164,265
S&P Global provides good opportunities for Director of Engineering. They have offices in New York, London, and Singapore. Directors lead teams to develop financial technology and data solutions.
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PRIME AE Group, Inc.
Average Salary: $155,000
PRIME AE Group, Inc. offers solid roles for Director of Engineering. They operate in the USA, with key locations in California and Texas. Directors here manage engineering projects to improve aerospace technology.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $118,060
Marriott International offers Director of Engineering positions with a focus on hospitality technology. They have hotels worldwide, including in the USA and Europe. Directors here develop systems to enhance guest experiences.
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Omni Hotels
Average Salary: $114,553
Omni Hotels provides Director of Engineering roles with a focus on hospitality. They have hotels across the USA, including in Florida and California. Directors here work on projects to improve hotel operations and guest services.
How to earn more as a Director of Engineering?
A Director of Engineering can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience in multiple industries can open up more job opportunities. Each industry has its own challenges and solutions, making a versatile director more valuable. Second, earning advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher-paying positions. These credentials show a commitment to continuous learning and expertise. Third, developing strong leadership skills can help in managing larger teams and projects, which often come with higher salaries. Fourth, networking with other professionals can lead to job offers that pay better. Attending industry conferences and joining professional groups can help with this. Finally, taking on roles that require managing budgets and strategic planning can also increase earnings. These roles often come with higher pay due to their importance.
To maximize earnings, a Director of Engineering should consider these areas. Building a diverse skill set and experience base can lead to more opportunities. Advanced education and certifications can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Strong leadership and networking skills can open up higher-paying positions. Managing budgets and strategic planning roles can also lead to better pay. By focusing on these factors, a Director of Engineering can increase their earning potential.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Gain experience in multiple industries
- Earn advanced degrees or certifications
- Develop strong leadership skills
- Network with other professionals
- Take on roles that require managing budgets and strategic planning



