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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Division VP of Engineering in California is $259,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $125.
However, a Division VP of Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Division VP of Engineering Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $277,300 | $23,108 | $5,333 | $133 |
| Average | $259,800 | $21,650 | $4,996 | $125 |
| 25th Percentile | $246,700 | $20,558 | $4,744 | $119 |
Authorium - San Francisco, CA
Guidewheel - San Francisco, CA
Jacqueline Adams & Associates - San Francisco, CA
Unusual Ventures - San Francisco, CA
A Division VP of Engineering's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Division VP of Engineering's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| General Engineering Senior Manager | 5+ years | $198,448 |
| General Engineering Director | 5+ years | $221,721 |
| Division VP of Engineering | 5+ years | $259,737 |
| Senior Vice President of Engineering | 5+ years | $326,103 |
| Head of Engineering | 5+ years | $409,993 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Division VP of Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Division VP of Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $290,337. While startup companies pay approximate $245,596.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $245,596 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $259,742 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $280,358 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $290,337 |
For Division VP of Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Division VP of Engineering positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Division VP of Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $311,760 | $150.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $306,564 | $147.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $298,770 | $144.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $285,780 | $137.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $280,584 | $135.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Division VP of Engineering's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $277,300 | $23,108 | $5,333 | $133 |
| Average | $259,800 | $21,650 | $4,996 | $125 |
| 25th Percentile | $246,700 | $20,558 | $4,744 | $119 |
For a Division VP of Engineering, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Vice President of Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $326,123 - a projected growth of 26% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Division VP of Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Redwood City, CA
Ursus | Redwood City, CA
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Santa Clara, CA
Litmus Automation | Santa Clara, CA
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Los Angeles, CA
Outpost | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. VP Vehicle Engineering. Location. Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week). The return lane isn't going to... more
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