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Embedded Software Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does an Embedded Software Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Embedded Software Engineering Director in the United States is $212,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $102.

However, an Embedded Software Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $242,373
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $201,065 to $228,016
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $190,884
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Embedded Software Engineering Director Salaries

An Embedded Software Engineering Director'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 Embedded Software Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Embedded Software Engineering Director'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:

  • Embedded Software Engineer VI (10-12 years): $193,716
  • Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $122,598
  • Embedded Software Engineering Manager (12+ years): $153,552
  • Embedded Software Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $185,063
  • Embedded Software Engineering Director (12+ years): $212,247
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Embedded Software Engineer VI10-12 years$193,716
Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor12+ years$122,598
Embedded Software Engineering Manager12+ years$153,552
Embedded Software Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$185,063
Embedded Software Engineering Director12+ years$212,247
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How Do Embedded Software Engineering Directors Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Embedded Software Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $235,000.
  • California: $234,108.
  • Massachusetts: $230,988.

Top Paying Cities for Embedded Software Engineering Director

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: $267,707
  • San Francisco: $264,776
  • Oakland: $259,196

Embedded Software Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Embedded Software Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $237,598. While startup companies pay approximate $201,003.

Embedded Software Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $201,003
Growth Stage 51~500 $212,584
Established 501~5000 $229,443
Enterprise 5000+ $237,598

Embedded Software Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Embedded Software Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 65% above the average. In contrast, Embedded Software Engineering Director positions in Construction or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Embedded Software Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Embedded Software Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$350,208$168.065%
Internet$307,758$148.045%
Aerospace & Defense$286,533$138.035%
Telecom$275,921$133.030%
Healthcare$265,309$128.025%

Embedded Software Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Embedded Software Engineering Director'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 August 01, 2026
$201,065
Average $212,247/year
$228,016
$16,755
Average $17,687/month
$19,001
$3,867
Average $4,082/week
$4,385
$97
Average $102/hour
$110
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $228,016 $19,001 $4,385 $110
Average $212,247 $17,687 $4,082 $102
25th Percentile $201,065 $16,755 $3,867 $97

Most common benefits for Embedded Software Engineering Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Embedded Software Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Embedded Software Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Embedded Software Engineering Director

1. Where can an Embedded Software Engineering Director earn the most?

An Embedded Software Engineering Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Embedded Software Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Embedded Software Engineering Director is $267,707.

2. What is the highest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Director is $242,373.

3. What is the lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Embedded Software Engineering Director is $190,884.

4. What are the responsibilities of Embedded Software Engineering Director?

Directs development projects that design, develop, test, debug, and implement embedded software and systems. Develops resource allocation plans for development projects that support productivity objectives. Facilitates cross functional collaboration. Integrates best practices, including firmware design-review methodologies, for the development of software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages. Extensive experience with firmware and software development toolsets utilized in project tracking, workflow management, build and test automation, continuous integration, quality assurance, and software lifecycle management. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Embedded Software Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Embedded Software Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 65% above the market median.

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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