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Associate Director of Engineering Salary in District of Columbia

How much does an Associate Director of Engineering make in District of Columbia? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Director of Engineering in District of Columbia is $236,112 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $114.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $264,490
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $226,130 to $250,966
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $217,043
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Director of Engineering Job Openings in District of Columbia

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): $161,993
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $186,228
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $184,469
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $233,017
  • Expert (over 8 years): $262,747
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Software Engineer IV less than 1 year $161,993
Software Engineer V 1-2 years $186,228
Software Engineering Manager 2-4 years $184,469
Associate Director of Engineering 5-8 years $233,017
VP of Software Engineering over 8 years $262,747

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $234,830
  • Washington: $234,832
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $234,821

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 $318,751 $153.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $288,056 $138.0 22%
Internet $283,334 $136.0 20%
Biotechnology $271,528 $131.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $259,723 $125.0 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
$226,130
Average $236,112/year
$250,966
$18,844
Average $19,676/month
$20,914
$4,349
Average $4,541/week
$4,826
$109
Average $114/hour
$121
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $250,966 $20,914 $4,826 $121
Average $236,112 $19,676 $4,541 $114
25th Percentile $226,130 $18,844 $4,349 $109

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.

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