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Assistant Director, Software Engineering Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Director, Software Engineering make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Director, Software Engineering in California is $235,052 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): $263,301
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $225,113 to $249,838
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $216,065
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): $161,259
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $185,388
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $183,642
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $231,971
  • Expert (over 8 years): $261,564
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Software Engineer IV less than 1 year $161,259
Software Engineer V 1-2 years $185,388
Software Engineering Manager 2-4 years $183,642
Assistant Director, Software Engineering 5-8 years $231,971
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: $235,947.
  • California: $235,052.
  • Massachusetts: $231,919.

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: $235,456
  • West Hollywood: $235,286
  • Dodgertown: $235,454

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 $317,320 $153.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $286,763 $138.0 22%
Internet $282,062 $136.0 20%
Biotechnology $270,309 $130.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $258,557 $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 October 01, 2026
$225,113
Average $235,052/year
$249,838
$18,759
Average $19,588/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 $249,838 $20,820 $4,805 $120
Average $235,052 $19,588 $4,520 $113
25th Percentile $225,113 $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.

  • Aspen Skiing Company | Mammoth Lakes, CA

    Assistant Director of Engineering

    Aspen Skiing Company | Mammoth Lakes, CA

    Company DescriptionLimelight Hotels by Aspen One provide authentic and contemporary connections to their communities and the adventures that surround them.... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Millennium Hotels and Resorts | Sunnyvale, CA

    Assistant Director of Engineering

    Millennium Hotels and Resorts | Sunnyvale, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Hotel Name. M Social Sunnyvale. Location. Onsite – Sunnyvale, CA. Salary Range. $85,000.00 - $90,000.00. Join the Team at... more

    5 Days Ago

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    J.P. Morgan | COLUMBUS, AR

    hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION Shape the future of financial serv... more

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  • J.P. Morgan | JERSEY CITY, NJ

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    J.P. Morgan | JERSEY CITY, NJ

    hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION As a Sr. Director of Software Engi... more

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  • Oracle | SEATTLE, WA

    Director Platform Software Engineering

    Oracle | SEATTLE, WA

    hackajob is collaborating with Oracle to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. Description At Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), we ar... more

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