As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of Engineering in Java, SD is $340,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $164.
However, a Head of Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head 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 Head 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 | $165,009 |
| General Engineering Director | 5+ years | $184,357 |
| Division VP of Engineering | 5+ years | $215,931 |
| Senior Vice President of Engineering | 5+ years | $271,077 |
| Head of Engineering | 5+ years | $340,700 |
What Am I Worth?
Head of Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $381,070. While startup companies pay approximate $322,272.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $322,272 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $340,852 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $367,996 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $381,070 |
For Head of Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Head of Engineering positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $425,875 | $205.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $408,840 | $197.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $391,805 | $188.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $374,770 | $180.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $374,770 | $180.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Head 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head of Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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