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Engineering Program Management Director Salary in the United States

How much does an Engineering Program Management Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Program Management Director in the United States is $210,154 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $240,328
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $195,746 to $225,948
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $182,628
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Engineering Program Management Director Salaries

An Engineering Program Management 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 Engineering Program Management Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Engineering Program Management 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:

  • Engineering Program Management Supervisor (12+ years): $124,315
  • Engineering Program Management Manager (12+ years): $144,028
  • Engineering Program Management Senior Manager (12+ years): $177,871
  • Engineering Program Management Director (12+ years): $210,154
  • VP of Engineering Program Management (12+ years): $242,356
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Engineering Program Management Supervisor12+ years$124,315
Engineering Program Management Manager12+ years$144,028
Engineering Program Management Senior Manager12+ years$177,871
Engineering Program Management Director12+ years$210,154
VP of Engineering Program Management12+ years$242,356
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How Do Engineering Program Management 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 Engineering Program Management Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $232,683.
  • California: $231,800.
  • Massachusetts: $228,711.

Top Paying Cities for Engineering Program Management 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: $265,067
  • San Francisco: $262,165
  • Oakland: $256,640

Engineering Program Management Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Engineering Program Management Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $235,255. While startup companies pay approximate $199,020.

Engineering Program Management Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $199,020
Growth Stage 51~500 $210,488
Established 501~5000 $227,181
Enterprise 5000+ $235,255

Engineering Program Management Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Engineering Program Management Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Program Management Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Program Management Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Engineering Program Management Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$262,692$126.025%
Energy & Utilities$241,677$116.015%
Telecom$241,677$116.015%
Insurance$231,169$111.010%
Pharmaceuticals$231,169$111.010%

Engineering Program Management Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Engineering Program Management 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
$195,746
Average $210,154/year
$225,948
$16,312
Average $17,513/month
$18,829
$3,764
Average $4,041/week
$4,345
$94
Average $101/hour
$109
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $225,948 $18,829 $4,345 $109
Average $210,154 $17,513 $4,041 $101
25th Percentile $195,746 $16,312 $3,764 $94

Engineering Program Management Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Engineering Program Management Director

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineering Program Management Director, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
VP of Engineering Program Management $242,356 15%
VP of Project Management $251,097 19%
VP of Program Management Office $245,099 17%

Most common benefits for Engineering Program Management Director

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

Common company salaries for Engineering Program Management Director

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

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FAQ about Engineering Program Management Director

1. Where can an Engineering Program Management Director earn the most?

An Engineering Program Management 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 Engineering Program Management Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Engineering Program Management Director is $265,067.

2. What is the highest pay for Engineering Program Management Director?

The highest pay for Engineering Program Management Director is $240,328.

3. What is the lowest pay for Engineering Program Management Director?

The lowest pay for Engineering Program Management Director is $182,628.

4. What are the responsibilities of Engineering Program Management Director?

Directs and develops a portfolio of engineering programs. Provides technical oversight and leadership to support the development and launch of engineering programs. Researches engineering methodologies and technology advancements to incorporate into programs and improve capabilities. Implements the engineering strategy and program vision into actionable steps and ensures a clear understanding of tasks. Develops standardized methods for project estimating, procurement, reporting, and other project-related processes. Assists with budget development and oversight. Leads the research, development, and testing of engineering design concepts, criteria, and specifications. Responsible for creating and maintaining strong customer relationships. Requires a bachelor's degree. 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 Engineering Program Management Director?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Program Management Director roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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