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Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Director, Software Engineering make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Director, Software Engineering in California is $235,048 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $113.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $263,298
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $225,112 to $249,835
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $216,066
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Director, Software Engineering Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salaries

An Assistant Director, Software 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.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Director, Software 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $161,263
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $185,389
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $183,639
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $231,968
  • Expert (over 8 years): $261,564
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Software Engineer IV less than 1 year $161,263
Software Engineer V 1-2 years $185,389
Software Engineering Manager 2-4 years $183,639
Assistant Director, Software Engineering 5-8 years $231,968
VP of Software Engineering over 8 years $261,564

How Do Assistant Director, Software Engineering 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 Assistant Director, Software Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $235,943.
  • California: $235,048.
  • Massachusetts: $231,916.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Director, Software Engineering

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:

  • Los Angeles: $235,453
  • West Hollywood: $235,283
  • Dodgertown: $235,451

Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Director, Software Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Director, Software Engineering positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Director, Software Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Director, Software Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $317,315 $153.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $286,759 $138.0 22%
Internet $282,058 $136.0 20%
Biotechnology $270,305 $130.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $258,553 $124.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Assistant Director, Software 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$225,112
Average $235,048/year
$249,835
$18,759
Average $19,587/month
$20,820
$4,329
Average $4,520/week
$4,805
$108
Average $113/hour
$120
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $249,835 $20,820 $4,805 $120
Average $235,048 $19,587 $4,520 $113
25th Percentile $225,112 $18,759 $4,329 $108

Find Your Next Assistant Director, Software Engineering Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Director, Software Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Truvian Sciences | San Diego, CA

    Director Software Engineering

    Truvian Sciences | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT. Want to join a fast-paced, innovative company that is transforming the future of blood testing. Truvian is a healt... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach | Seal Beach, CA

    Director of Software Engineering

    Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach | Seal Beach, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. The Director of Software Engineering will be a senior leader responsible for leading the design, development... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Iridex Corporation | San Jose, CA

    Director Software Engineering

    Iridex Corporation | San Jose, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Iridex Corporation is a global medical technology company dedicated to advancing the treatment of glaucoma and retinal di... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Zipline | San Francisco, CA

    Director of Software Engineering

    Zipline | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About Zipline. Zipline is the world's largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve a... more

    9 Days Ago

  • J.P. Morgan | Palo Alto, CA

    Senior Director of Software Engineering

    J.P. Morgan | Palo Alto, CA

    hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION Your opportunity to make a real im... more

    7 Days Ago

  • GRAIL | Sunnyvale, CA

    Director of Software Engineering

    GRAIL | Sunnyvale, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality ... more

    10 Days Ago

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