Position
Salary

How much does a Director of Engineering make?

The average salary for a Director of Engineering is $161,238 per year in the US.

The role of Director of Engineering is both challenging and rewarding. This senior position typically commands a robust salary. The average yearly salary for a Director of Engineering is approximately $161,238. This compensation reflects the significant responsibility that comes with the role. Directors of Engineering oversee complex projects and lead large teams. They ensure that all engineering activities align with the company's goals.

Different factors can influence the exact salary of a Director of Engineering. Geographic location, industry, and company size are key factors. Companies in tech hubs like Silicon Valley often offer higher salaries. Industries such as software development, automotive, and aerospace usually pay more. Larger companies tend to offer higher wages compared to smaller firms. This variance shows the diverse opportunities available in this field.

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

Directors of Engineering can expect competitive salaries in major tech hubs. San Francisco and San Jose top the list, offering average salaries above $228,000. Other cities like Hartford, Boston, and Seattle also provide strong compensation packages. High demand for engineering talent drives up salaries in these regions. Job seekers benefit from the variety of opportunities and benefits in these cities. Employers in these areas often invest in their teams, which can lead to better career growth and stability.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $229,325 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $160,376.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $229,325
    In San Francisco, leading a tech team means working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting projects and a collaborative environment. The tech scene here thrives on innovation and creativity.
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  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $228,146
    San Jose, known as the Silicon Valley, is home to many tech giants. As an engineering leader here, you’ll have the chance to work with companies like Apple and Intel. The city's tech-focused culture provides a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
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  3. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $182,179
    Hartford offers a mix of financial and tech companies. Leading an engineering team in this city means collaborating with firms such as United Technologies. The professional community is strong, and the work environment is both challenging and supportive.
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  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $181,146
    Boston provides a rich history of innovation and education. Working as an engineering leader here involves partnering with companies like Raytheon and Liberty Mutual. The city’s academic institutions add a unique dynamic to the tech landscape.
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  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $177,275
    Seattle is known for its thriving tech scene, home to Amazon and Microsoft. Leading a team in this city means being part of a community that values innovation and work-life balance. The picturesque surroundings offer a pleasant backdrop to demanding work.
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  6. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $173,268
    Salt Lake City offers a growing tech scene with companies like Adobe and Qualtrics. Leading a team here means embracing a supportive and family-oriented community. The engineering landscape is expanding, providing new opportunities for growth.
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  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $170,594
    In Dallas, engineering leaders work with companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments. The city’s growing tech sector offers a mix of challenges and opportunities. The warm, welcoming culture makes it a great place for career development.
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  8. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $170,027
    San Antonio is home to a diverse tech industry. Leading teams in this city means collaborating with firms such as Rackspace and Northrop Grumman. The community is growing, and there is a strong focus on innovation and progress.
    Find Director of Engineering jobs in San Antonio, TX


  9. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $163,277
    Albany offers a blend of tech and government sectors. Leading an engineering team in this city involves working with companies like IBM. The city’s historic charm adds to the professional environment, making it unique.
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  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $160,376
    Los Angeles provides a vibrant tech environment with companies like Amazon and Google. Leading a team in this city means being part of a dynamic and diverse community. The creative and innovative spirit of LA makes it an exciting place to work.
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What are the best companies a Director of Engineering can work for?

Ripple, Northrop Grumman, and PwC offer high salaries for Directors of Engineering. Ripple, known for its cloud software, pays directors an average of $297,317. Northrop Grumman, a defense contractor, pays $242,894. PwC, a professional services firm, pays $233,317. These companies value engineering leadership and offer competitive pay. Collins Aerospace, Merck, and Core States Group also provide strong salaries. Collins Aerospace, an aerospace company, pays directors $228,909. Merck, a pharmaceutical company, pays $171,761. Core States Group, in the real estate sector, pays $170,909. These companies recognize the importance of engineering talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director of Engineering jobs, highlighting Rippling with the highest at $297,317 and Hilton with the lowest at $112,337.
  1. Rippling
    Average Salary: $297,317
    Rippling offers exciting opportunities for Directors of Engineering. They focus on cloud software for human resources and IT. This role allows Directors to shape HR and IT strategies. Rippling operates in multiple locations, including the USA, UK, and Ireland.


  2. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $242,894
    Northrop Grumman provides top pay for Directors of Engineering. They work in aerospace and defense technology. This role involves leading engineering teams. They have locations in the USA, UK, Australia, and India.


  3. PwC
    Average Salary: $233,317
    At PwC, Directors of Engineering get a high salary. They focus on consulting and professional services. This role includes managing engineering projects. They work in many countries, including the USA, UK, and India.


  4. Collins Aerospace
    Average Salary: $228,909
    Collins Aerospace offers competitive pay for Directors of Engineering. They work in the aerospace industry. This role involves leading engineering teams. They have locations in the USA, UK, and Canada.


  5. Merck
    Average Salary: $171,761
    Merck provides a good salary for Directors of Engineering. They focus on healthcare and pharmaceuticals. This role includes managing research and development. They operate in multiple locations, including the USA and Germany.


  6. Core States Group
    Average Salary: $170,909
    Core States Group offers a solid salary for Directors of Engineering. They work in various industries, including construction and real estate. This role involves managing engineering projects. They operate in the USA.


  7. Janicki Industries
    Average Salary: $157,500
    Janicki Industries provides a good salary for Directors of Engineering. They focus on industrial manufacturing. This role includes leading engineering teams. They operate in the USA.


  8. Marriott International
    Average Salary: $119,387
    Marriott International offers a decent salary for Directors of Engineering. They focus on hospitality. This role involves managing engineering projects. They operate in many countries, including the USA and UK.


  9. Omni Hotels
    Average Salary: $115,070
    Omni Hotels provides a competitive salary for Directors of Engineering. They focus on hospitality. This role includes managing engineering projects. They operate in the USA.


  10. Hilton
    Average Salary: $112,337
    Hilton offers a good salary for Directors of Engineering. They focus on hospitality. This role includes managing engineering projects. They operate in many countries, including the USA and UK.

How to earn more as a Director of Engineering?

A Director of Engineering has many ways to increase their earnings. Building up the right skills and experiences can make a big difference. One important factor is to gain experience in multiple industries. This shows that the Director can handle different types of projects and teams.

Networking plays a key role as well. Connecting with other professionals in the field can lead to new job opportunities. Attending industry conferences and joining professional groups can help. Another way to earn more is to pursue advanced degrees or certifications. These can show a higher level of expertise and commitment.

Here are five important factors to consider:

  1. Gain experience in multiple industries.
  2. Build a strong professional network.
  3. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications.
  4. Develop strong leadership skills.
  5. Stay updated with the latest technology trends.

Currently 194 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.
Position
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Director of Engineering
194 Job Openings