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Project Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Project Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Engineering Director in the United States is $196,385 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $219,754
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $171,961 to $208,617
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $149,724
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Project Engineering Director Salaries

A Project 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 Project Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project 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:

  • Project Engineering Senior Supervisor (3-5 years): $117,059
  • Project Engineering Manager (5+ years): $150,486
  • Project Engineering Senior Manager (5+ years): $172,276
  • Project Engineering Director (5+ years): $196,385
  • Project Engineering Senior Director (5+ years): $219,579
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Project Engineering Senior Supervisor3-5 years$117,059
Project Engineering Manager5+ years$150,486
Project Engineering Senior Manager5+ years$172,276
Project Engineering Director5+ years$196,385
Project Engineering Senior Director5+ years$219,579
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How Do Project 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 Project Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $217,437.
  • California: $216,613.
  • Massachusetts: $213,726.

Top Paying Cities for Project 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: $247,700
  • San Francisco: $244,988
  • Oakland: $239,825

Project Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,842. While startup companies pay approximate $185,981.

Project Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $185,981
Growth Stage 51~500 $196,697
Established 501~5000 $212,296
Enterprise 5000+ $219,842

Project Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Engineering Director 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 Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Project Engineering Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$245,481$118.025%
Energy & Utilities$225,843$109.015%
Aerospace & Defense$216,024$104.010%
Biotechnology$216,024$104.010%
Financial Services$216,024$104.010%

Project Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Project 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
$171,961
Average $196,385/year
$208,617
$14,330
Average $16,365/month
$17,385
$3,307
Average $3,777/week
$4,012
$83
Average $94/hour
$100
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $208,617 $17,385 $4,012 $100
Average $196,385 $16,365 $3,777 $94
25th Percentile $171,961 $14,330 $3,307 $83

Project Engineering Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Project Engineering Director

Next Role

For a Project Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Project Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $219,579 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Project Engineering Director

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

Common company salaries for Project Engineering Director

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

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FAQ about Project Engineering Director

1. Where can a Project Engineering Director earn the most?

A Project 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, a Project Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Project Engineering Director is $247,700.

2. What is the highest pay for Project Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Project Engineering Director is $219,754.

3. What is the lowest pay for Project Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Project Engineering Director is $149,724.

4. What are the responsibilities of Project Engineering Director?

Plans and directs engineering design activities across multiple projects or product lines to ensure alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and timelines. Drives the development and execution of complex engineering solutions, from concept through testing and deployment. Approves major design decisions and project changes with significant impact on scope, cost, or schedule. Establishes performance metrics and ensures continuous improvement across engineering functions. Collaborates with executive leadership to shape long-term product and technology strategies. 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 Project Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Engineering 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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