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Salary

How much does a Director of Engineering make?

The average salary for a Director of Engineering is $159,033 per year in the US.

A Director of Engineering plays a key role in any company. They oversee the engineering team and ensure projects run smoothly. Many job seekers wonder about the salary for this position. On average, a Director of Engineering earns about $159,033 per year. This number can change based on experience, company size, and location.


In general, those with more experience earn higher salaries. Some Directors of Engineering make as little as $71,450 a year. However, many make more. For example, an experienced Director might earn $276,495 or even up to $297,000 per year. This high salary reflects the important role they play in guiding their teams and making big decisions.

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

San Francisco and San Jose, California, offer some of the highest salaries for Director of Engineering positions. These tech hubs attract top talent and provide excellent compensation. Job seekers in these areas can expect competitive pay. Other cities like Boston, Seattle, and Salt Lake City also provide attractive salaries for this role. These cities have strong tech industries that value engineering expertise. This makes them good places to find rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $232,401 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $158,901.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $232,401
    Leading a tech team in San Francisco offers the chance to work with major companies like Google and Salesforce. This vibrant city values innovation and creativity in engineering.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $228,349
    In San Jose, an engineering leader will find a hub of tech giants such as Intel and PayPal. This city's focus on tech advancement creates a dynamic environment for engineering.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $187,893
    Boston's engineering scene features companies like Raytheon and Biogen. This city’s rich academic presence adds to the collaborative spirit in engineering leadership.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $179,662
    Seattle offers an engineering role with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city’s innovative culture supports cutting-edge projects and growth in the tech field.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $173,384
    Salt Lake City provides an engineering leadership position with firms like Qualtrics and Zions Bancorporation. The city’s supportive tech ecosystem aids in professional development.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  6. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $170,027
    In San Antonio, an engineering director will collaborate with companies like Rackspace and AT&T. This city values teamwork and innovation in its engineering community.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Antonio, TX


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $166,234
    Dallas offers an engineering leadership role with companies such as AT&T and Texas Instruments. The city’s strong business environment supports technological advancement.
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  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $160,589
    Atlanta provides opportunities to lead engineering teams for firms like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines. The city’s growing tech scene fosters innovation and growth.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Atlanta, GA


  9. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $159,416
    Los Angeles offers engineering leadership with companies like Amazon and Northrop Grumman. The city’s diverse industries offer a range of projects and challenges.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $158,901
    San Diego offers engineering leadership with biotech and tech firms like Illumina and Qualcomm. The city’s innovative spirit encourages forward-thinking solutions.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Diego, CA

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

Northrop Grumman, Core States Group, and Merck offer some of the highest salaries for Director of Engineering positions. With Northrop Grumman leading the pack, these companies provide competitive compensation packages that reflect the value of their engineering leadership roles. Candidates looking for top pay in this field should consider these companies as potential employers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting Northrop Grumman with the highest at $243,373 and Hyatt with the lowest at $97,079.
  1. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $243,373
    Northrop Grumman offers top-tier salaries for Directors of Engineering. This defense and technology company provides Director of Engineering roles with great opportunities in locations like Falls Church, VA, and El Segundo, CA. These roles emphasize innovation and teamwork, making it a prime choice for experienced engineering leaders.


  2. Core States Group
    Average Salary: $173,200
    Core States Group provides competitive salaries for Directors of Engineering. This company, based in Atlanta, GA, focuses on IT services and solutions. They offer a chance to lead diverse engineering teams and projects, with a focus on delivering quality and efficiency.


  3. Merck
    Average Salary: $173,038
    Merck offers strong compensation for Directors of Engineering. This pharmaceutical giant operates in Kenilworth, NJ, and provides many opportunities in drug discovery and development. Working here means leading innovative projects that impact global health.


  4. Janicki Industries
    Average Salary: $157,500
    Janicki Industries pays well for Directors of Engineering. Based in Largo, FL, this company specializes in healthcare and senior living facilities. Their roles offer a chance to innovate in sustainable building and technology, enhancing the quality of life for many.


  5. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $121,705
    Marriott International provides attractive salaries for Directors of Engineering. With locations worldwide, Marriott offers diverse opportunities in hospitality technology. Working here means improving guest experiences through innovative engineering solutions.


  6. Hilton
    Average Salary: $114,344
    Hilton offers competitive pay for Directors of Engineering. Known globally, Hilton focuses on hospitality and leisure. Their roles involve enhancing guest services with cutting-edge technology, providing a dynamic work environment.


  7. Omni Hotels
    Average Salary: $113,750
    Omni Hotels provides solid compensation for Directors of Engineering. Based in Irving, TX, this company emphasizes luxury hospitality. Working here means leading projects that blend comfort and innovation, offering a unique work experience.


  8. Sage Hospitality
    Average Salary: $111,000
    Sage Hospitality offers good salaries for Directors of Engineering. Operating in various U.S. locations, Sage focuses on distinctive and luxury accommodations. Their roles provide opportunities to lead unique engineering projects that shape the guest experience.


  9. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
    Average Salary: $100,097
    Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants provides fair compensation for Directors of Engineering. With locations across the U.S., Kimpton is known for its unique, artistic hotels. Working here means leading creative engineering projects that enhance the hotel’s charm.


  10. Hyatt
    Average Salary: $97,079
    Hyatt offers competitive salaries for Directors of Engineering. With properties worldwide, Hyatt focuses on hospitality services. Working here means leading projects that enhance guest experiences through innovative engineering solutions.

How to earn more as a Director of Engineering?

To increase earnings as a Director of Engineering, consider several key factors. Gaining experience in multiple industries can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Each industry has unique challenges and technologies that can make you more versatile. Networking with professionals in different fields can also lead to lucrative job offers.

Another factor is to continuously update skills. Technology changes fast, and staying current can make you more valuable. Pursue certifications in new tools or methodologies. Attend workshops and conferences. Being knowledgeable in the latest trends can lead to better job offers and promotions.

Consider these factors for earning more:

  • Gain experience in multiple industries.
  • Network with professionals in different fields.
  • Continuously update skills with certifications and training.
  • Stay current with the latest technology trends.
  • Seek out leadership roles that offer higher salaries.

Currently 197 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
197 Job Openings