As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Hardware Engineering Director in the United States is $236,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $114.
However, a Hardware Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Hardware Engineering Director'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Engineering Director'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $127,843 |
| Hardware Engineering Manager | 12+ years | $163,425 |
| Hardware Engineering Senior Manager | 12+ years | $192,320 |
| Hardware Engineering Director | 12+ years | $236,400 |
| Hardware Engineering Senior Director | 12+ years | $295,814 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Hardware Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.45% |
| Logistics | 3.45% |
| Project Planning | 3.45% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Supply Chain
|
$248,220 |
5%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$248,220 |
5%
|
|
Industrial Design
|
$248,220 |
5%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$241,128 |
2%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$241,128 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$238,764 |
1%
|
Understanding how a Hardware Engineering Director'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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Hardware Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Engineering Senior Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $295,814 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Hardware Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $194,149 in 2023 to around $192,158 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Hardware Engineering Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $194,149 |
| 2024 | $195,551 |
| 2025 | $192,158 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Hardware Engineering Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Hardware Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Hardware Engineering Director is $298,171.
The highest pay for Hardware Engineering Director is $269,925.
The lowest pay for Hardware Engineering Director is $209,067.
Directs and oversees all aspects of hardware engineering activities within an organization. Establishes policies and procedures that produce high-quality hardware products. Ensures all hardware engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with the organization's established policies and objectives. Responsible for the creation and implementation of the organization's hardware engineering strategy. Collaborates and partners with key stakeholders to align priorities and drive projects forward. Stays abreast of advancements in hardware technology and materials. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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