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Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salary in the United States

How much does a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects in the United States is $196,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $258,963
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $169,400 to $229,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $144,909
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View as table View as graph 25% $169,400 10% $144,909 90% $258,963 75% $229,100 $196,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $229,100 $19,092 $4,406 $110
Average $196,300 $16,358 $3,775 $94
25th Percentile $169,400 $14,117 $3,258 $81
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Key Factors That Influence Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salaries

A Director Engineering Design/Development Projects'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.

How Experience Level Affects Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects'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:

  • Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Team Lead (3-5 years): $117,054
  • Engineering Program/Project Management - Manager (5+ years): $150,472
  • Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Manager (5+ years): $172,165
  • Director Engineering Design/Development Projects (5+ years): $196,251
  • Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Director (5+ years): $219,425
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Team Lead3-5 years$117,054
Engineering Program/Project Management - Manager5+ years$150,472
Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Manager5+ years$172,165
Director Engineering Design/Development Projects5+ years$196,251
Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Director5+ years$219,425
$117,054 Engineeri...
$150,472 Engineeri...
$172,165 Engineeri...
$196,251 Director ...
$219,425 Engineeri...
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Top Paying Cities for Director Engineering Design/Development Projects

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:

  • San Jose: $247,600
  • San Francisco: $245,100
  • Oakland: $239,700

Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects'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.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

Director Engineering Design/Development Projects Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Director Engineering Design/Development Projects, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Program/Project Management - Senior Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $219,500 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Director Engineering Design/Development Projects

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401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Director Engineering Design/Development Projects

Here are companies hiring for Director Engineering Design/Development Projects and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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