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Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Director, Software Engineering make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Director, Software Engineering in California is $235,046 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): $263,300
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $225,111 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): $161,267
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $185,390
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $183,634
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $231,964
  • Expert (over 8 years): $261,562
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Software Engineer IV less than 1 year $161,267
Software Engineer V 1-2 years $185,390
Software Engineering Manager 2-4 years $183,634
Assistant Director, Software Engineering 5-8 years $231,964
VP of Software Engineering over 8 years $261,562

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: $235,941.
  • California: $235,046.
  • Massachusetts: $231,913.

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: $235,451
  • West Hollywood: $235,280
  • Dodgertown: $235,449

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 $317,312 $153.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $286,756 $138.0 22%
Internet $282,055 $136.0 20%
Biotechnology $270,303 $130.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $258,551 $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 August 01, 2026
$225,111
Average $235,046/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 $235,046 $19,587 $4,520 $113
25th Percentile $225,111 $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.

  • 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

    8 Days Ago

  • SnapLogic | San Mateo, CA

    Director Software Engineering

    SnapLogic | San Mateo, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About SnapLogic .  . SnapLogic is the Agentic Integration Company, integrating AI, data, applications, and microservices ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • GoodLeap | San Francisco, CA

    Senior Director Software Engineering

    GoodLeap | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About GoodLeap. GoodLeap is a technology company delivering best-in-class financing and software products for sustainable... more

    10 Days Ago

  • GPL Technologies | Los Angeles, CA

    Senior Director of Software Engineering

    GPL Technologies | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Senior Director of Software Engineering. ABOUT US. Since 2003, GPL Technologies has helped studios around the world run f... more

    10 Days Ago

  • GoodLeap | Irvine, CA

    Senior Director Software Engineering

    GoodLeap | Irvine, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About GoodLeap. GoodLeap is a technology company delivering best-in-class financing and software products for sustainable... more

    10 Days Ago

  • GoodLeap | Roseville, CA

    Senior Director Software Engineering

    GoodLeap | Roseville, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. About GoodLeap. GoodLeap is a technology company delivering best-in-class financing and software products for sustainable... more

    10 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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