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Associate Director of Engineering Salary in California

How much does an Associate Director of Engineering make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Director of Engineering in California is $235,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $113.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $263,486
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $225,272 to $250,014
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $216,219
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Director of Engineering Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Director of Engineering Salaries

An Associate Director of 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 Associate Director of Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Director of 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): $161,378
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $185,521
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $183,770
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $232,133
  • Expert (over 8 years): $261,750
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Software Engineer IV less than 1 year $161,378
Software Engineer V 1-2 years $185,521
Software Engineering Manager 2-4 years $183,770
Associate Director of Engineering 5-8 years $232,133
VP of Software Engineering over 8 years $261,750

How Do Associate Director of 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 Associate Director of Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $236,112.
  • California: $235,216.
  • Massachusetts: $232,081.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Director of 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: $235,621
  • West Hollywood: $235,450
  • Dodgertown: $235,619

Associate Director of Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Director of 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, Associate Director of Engineering positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Director of Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Director of Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $317,541 $153.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $286,963 $138.0 22%
Internet $282,259 $136.0 20%
Biotechnology $270,498 $130.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $258,737 $124.0 10%

Associate Director of Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Director of 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
$225,272
Average $235,216/year
$250,014
$18,773
Average $19,601/month
$20,834
$4,332
Average $4,523/week
$4,808
$108
Average $113/hour
$120
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $250,014 $20,834 $4,808 $120
Average $235,216 $19,601 $4,523 $113
25th Percentile $225,272 $18,773 $4,332 $108

Find Your Next Associate Director of Engineering Job

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

  • Sun Hill Properties, Inc. | Universal City, CA

    Director of Engineering

    Sun Hill Properties, Inc. | Universal City, CA

    JOB Overview:The Director of Engineering is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Endor Labs | Palo Alto, CA

    Director of Engineering

    Endor Labs | Palo Alto, CA

    About UsEndor Labs is redefining application security for the era of AI-driven software development. Today's software is dependency-heavy and increasingly ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Coachella, CA

    Director of Engineering

    GovernmentJobs.com | Coachella, CA

    Director Of EngineeringThe Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is seeking a Director of Engineering, this key executive leader responsible for planning,... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Recruiting from Scratch | Palo Alto, CA

    Director of Engineering

    Recruiting from Scratch | Palo Alto, CA

    Who is Recruiting from Scratch:Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner clos... more

    9 Days Ago

  • WBCP, Inc. | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

    Director of Engineering

    WBCP, Inc. | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

    Director of EngineeringSanta Margarita Water DistrictRancho Santa Margarita, CaliforniaAnnual Salary: The expected hiring range is $211,159 - $291,084 DOE/... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Marriott Vacations Worldwide | South Lake Tahoe, CA

    Director of Engineering

    Marriott Vacations Worldwide | South Lake Tahoe, CA

    Salary Range:$100,000 - $120,000 bonus. This is an exempt position and will be paid on a salaried basis in accordance with state and federal law. Relocatio... more

    9 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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