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How much does a Director of Engineering make?

The average salary for a Director of Engineering is $174,547 per year in the US.

The role of a Director of Engineering offers a rewarding salary that reflects the responsibility and expertise required. On average, a Director of Engineering earns about $174,547 per year. This salary can vary based on several factors, such as the company's size, industry, and location.


Directors of Engineering in the top 10% of earners can make upwards of $283,182 annually. Positions in tech-heavy industries and larger companies often pay more. This role requires strong leadership, technical skills, and a deep understanding of engineering principles. Companies value these skills, leading to competitive salaries. These earnings make this position attractive for those with the right background and experience.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Director of Engineering?

San Francisco and San Jose offer the highest average salaries for Directors of Engineering. Engineers in these California cities earn well over $200,000 annually. Seattle also provides competitive pay, with directors earning close to $212,000 per year. Boston offers a strong market for engineering leaders, with average salaries around $198,000. Austin, Dallas, and Salt Lake City follow closely behind, each paying directors over $190,000 a year. San Diego, Atlanta, and San Antonio also offer attractive compensation packages, making them great options for those looking to advance in their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $270,986 and San Antonio, TX with the lowest at $175,132.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $270,986
    In San Francisco, leading a tech team means being at the heart of innovation. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting challenges. The dynamic environment pushes you to stay ahead in tech trends.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $236,393
    San Jose is a hub for tech giants like Apple and Intel. As an engineering leader here, you’ll shape the future of tech. The fast-paced atmosphere encourages bold ideas and teamwork.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $212,078
    Seattle's tech scene thrives with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Leading an engineering team here means working on cutting-edge projects. The city’s collaborative culture supports professional growth.
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  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $198,317
    Boston's rich history of innovation makes it a prime spot for engineering leaders. At companies like Fidelity and Charles River Analytics, you’ll drive tech advancements. The city’s academic ties provide a knowledge-rich environment.
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  5. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $192,996
    Salt Lake City is emerging as a tech hub, with companies like Adobe and Qualtrics. Leading an engineering team here means fostering innovation. The supportive community and lower cost of living add to the appeal.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $190,746
    Austin is known for its vibrant tech scene and great quality of life. Companies like Dell and Apple offer exciting opportunities. Leading a team here means balancing innovation with a relaxed atmosphere.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Austin, TX


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $183,007
    Dallas is a growing tech center with companies like AT&T and ExxonMobil. Leading an engineering team here means tackling complex projects. The city’s strong business network offers ample growth opportunities.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $182,384
    San Diego combines a great lifestyle with a thriving tech industry. Companies like Qualcomm and Illumina offer exciting challenges. The mild weather and beautiful surroundings make it a pleasant place to work.
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  9. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $176,538
    Atlanta's diverse economy includes tech leaders like Coca-Cola and Delta. Leading an engineering team here means working on innovative projects. The city's growing tech scene offers a dynamic environment.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Atlanta, GA


  10. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $175,132
    San Antonio is becoming a tech hotspot with companies like Valero and Frost Bank. Leading an engineering team here means driving tech advancements. The city's affordable cost of living adds to its appeal.
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What are the best companies a Director of Engineering can work for?

Northrop Grumman offers one of the highest average salaries for Director of Engineering jobs at nearly $258,000. DigitalOcean follows closely with an impressive salary of about $258,000. This position at Leoforce offers an average salary of nearly $186,000, making it another strong choice. These companies provide competitive pay and valuable opportunities for engineering leaders. The other companies listed also offer salaries that reflect their industry standing and the critical nature of the role. Salaries range from $173,000 at Core States Group to $107,000 at Sage Hospitality Group.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting Northrop Grumman with the highest at $257,879 and Sage Hospitality Group with the lowest at $107,438.
  1. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $257,879
    Northrop Grumman offers exciting Director of Engineering roles. They work across the globe, with a focus on aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. Locations include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These roles require strong leadership and a deep understanding of engineering principles.


  2. DigitalOcean
    Average Salary: $257,755
    DigitalOcean is a leading provider of cloud computing services. They offer competitive salaries for Directors of Engineering. Based in New York City, this role involves overseeing software and infrastructure projects. DigitalOcean emphasizes innovation and a collaborative work environment.


  3. Leoforce
    Average Salary: $185,682
    Leoforce provides staffing solutions in various industries. They have Director of Engineering positions with attractive compensation packages. The company operates in multiple locations, including Chicago and Los Angeles. This role involves managing engineering teams and driving project success.


  4. Core States Group
    Average Salary: $173,200
    Core States Group operates in the construction and engineering fields. They offer rewarding Director of Engineering positions. The company is based in Philadelphia and has additional offices in New Jersey and Delaware. This role requires overseeing engineering projects and ensuring high-quality outcomes.


  5. Janicki
    Average Salary: $168,088
    Janicki specializes in civil engineering and construction. They have Director of Engineering roles with good compensation. Operating in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio and Michigan, this position involves leading engineering teams on various infrastructure projects.


  6. Smith Miller Associates
    Average Salary: $163,750
    Smith Miller Associates focuses on architecture and engineering services. They offer Director of Engineering positions with competitive salaries. Based in Connecticut, this role involves managing engineering projects and ensuring client satisfaction. They work on projects across the Northeast.


  7. Pyramid Global Hospitality
    Average Salary: $130,909
    Pyramid Global Hospitality is a leader in hospitality management. They offer Director of Engineering roles with attractive pay. With locations across the U.S., this position involves overseeing hotel engineering projects. The company values innovation and guest satisfaction.


  8. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $123,238
    Marriott International is a renowned hospitality company. They have Director of Engineering positions with good salaries. Operating in over 7,000 properties worldwide, this role involves managing engineering teams on hotel projects. Marriott emphasizes a strong work ethic and teamwork.


  9. Origin Management
    Average Salary: $110,000
    Origin Management provides construction management services. They offer Director of Engineering roles with decent pay. The company operates in the Southeast, with offices in North Carolina and South Carolina. This position requires overseeing engineering teams and managing project timelines.


  10. Sage Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $107,438
    Sage Hospitality Group manages hotels and resorts. They have Director of Engineering roles with good compensation. Based in Texas, this role involves overseeing engineering projects for hospitality clients. The company values creativity and efficiency in their projects.

How to earn more as a Director of Engineering?

A Director of Engineering can significantly boost their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Networking and building relationships with industry leaders can open doors to higher-paying roles and projects. Seeking out mentorship from senior executives provides valuable insights and career advancement opportunities. Continuous professional development and certifications can also enhance skills and market value, leading to better compensation packages.

To earn more as a Director of Engineering, one should consider these factors:

  1. Gain relevant certifications in technology or management.
  2. Network with other professionals and industry leaders.
  3. Seek mentorship from experienced executives.
  4. Pursue advanced degrees or specialized training.
  5. Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.

Currently 246 Director of Engineering job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Director of Engineering in the US?

Learn what a Director of Engineering does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Director of Engineering today.
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Director of Engineering
246 Job Openings