How much does a Director of Engineering make?
If someone wants to become a Director of Engineering, it's important to know what to expect in terms of salary. This role often comes with a substantial yearly income. On average, Directors of Engineering make about $155,926 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, industry, and company size.
Directors of Engineering often see their salary increase with more years of experience. For instance, those with 10 years or more in the field might earn between $206,127 and $245,564. Companies in tech hubs or those with cutting-edge projects may offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
What are the highest paying cities for a Director of Engineering?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $229,164
In San Francisco, engineering leaders can drive innovation. The tech scene here is vibrant, with companies like Google and Salesforce leading the way. The focus is on cutting-edge tech and agile practices.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $222,179
San Jose offers a rich environment for engineering talent. The city is home to tech giants like Intel and Cisco. Leaders here often work on advanced projects and enjoy a dynamic work culture.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $167,833
Seattle is a tech hub, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Engineering leaders here benefit from a creative atmosphere. They often lead teams focused on cloud computing and software development.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $165,605
Dallas has a growing tech sector with leaders like AT&T and ExxonMobil. The city offers a blend of traditional business and tech innovation. Leaders here often manage large engineering teams.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $163,563
Salt Lake City is emerging as a tech center with companies like Qualtrics and Vivint. The cost of living is lower, making it attractive for leaders. The focus is on user experience and software engineering.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $162,010
Rochester offers a mix of tech and healthcare. Companies like Kodak and HighPoint Solutions look for strong engineering leaders. The city has a collaborative work environment.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $161,193
Boston is known for its academic and tech scene. Companies like IBM and Thermo Fisher Scientific are prominent. Leaders here often collaborate with top universities on research projects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $160,929
Los Angeles has a diverse tech environment with leaders like Sony and Electronic Arts. The city offers a relaxed work atmosphere. Engineering leaders here often work on entertainment technology.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $160,827
San Antonio is a growing tech city with leaders like AT&T and Rackspace. The cost of living is affordable. Leaders here often work on scalable software solutions and cloud services.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $158,045
Des Moines offers a smaller, friendly tech environment. Companies like Principal Financial Group look for strong engineering leaders. The city has a lower cost of living and a supportive community.
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What are the best companies a Director of Engineering can work for?

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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $241,224
Northrop Grumman is a global security company. It offers Director of Engineering jobs in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. This role involves leading engineering teams and ensuring product quality and innovation.
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PwC
Average Salary: $233,317
PwC is a multinational professional services network. Director of Engineering roles at PwC focus on technological innovation and consulting services across the Americas and Asia.
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Collins Aerospace
Average Salary: $227,000
Collins Aerospace provides advanced technology solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors. The Director of Engineering here leads technical teams in the United States and Europe, focusing on aerospace engineering projects.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $183,600
Deloitte offers audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. In this role, the Director of Engineering works on complex projects in the United States, United Kingdom, and India, focusing on technology integration.
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Vestal Corporation
Average Salary: $176,574
Vestal Corporation focuses on advanced manufacturing solutions. Director of Engineering roles at Vestal involve overseeing engineering projects in the United States and Canada.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $173,235
CyberCoders is a staffing and recruiting firm. Director of Engineering positions here are diverse, with roles across the United States focusing on various technology and engineering sectors.
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S&P Global
Average Salary: $163,432
S&P Global provides financial market data and analysis. This role involves managing engineering teams in the United States and Europe, focusing on data and analytics.
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Marriott International
Average Salary: $119,238
Marriott International is a global hospitality company. Director of Engineering roles here manage the engineering needs of hotels in the United States and worldwide.
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Omni Hotels
Average Salary: $115,788
Omni Hotels is a luxury hospitality company. This role involves overseeing hotel engineering projects in the United States, focusing on sustainability and innovation.
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Sage Hospitality
Average Salary: $111,667
Sage Hospitality manages upscale hotels. Director of Engineering roles here focus on engineering and maintenance projects across the United States.
How to earn more as a Director of Engineering?
A Director of Engineering has the opportunity to earn a significant salary by leveraging experience, skills, and industry trends. To maximize earnings, directors should focus on key factors that can enhance their value within the industry. Building a strong professional network provides access to new opportunities and insights. Staying current with the latest technological advancements ensures a competitive edge in the job market. Gaining experience in different sectors broadens the skill set and increases marketability.
Pursuing advanced certifications can also lead to higher earnings. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and expertise. Directors who take on leadership roles in high-demand areas, such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence, can command higher salaries. These factors, when combined, create a solid foundation for earning more as a Director of Engineering.
Consider these factors to increase earning potential:
- Build a professional network
- Stay current with technology
- Gain experience in different sectors
- Pursue advanced certifications
- Lead in high-demand areas



