Salary for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer during 2024

💰 The median Salary for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer during 2024 is USD 220,450

✏️ This salary info is based on 58 individual salaries reported during 2024

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Salary details

The average executive-level / director Software Engineer salary lies between USD 174,800 and USD 243,300 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Job title
Software Engineer
Experience
Executive-level / Director
Region
global/worldwide
Salary year
2024
Sample size
58
Top 10%
$ 299,000
Top 25%
$ 243,300
Median
$ 220,450
Bottom 25%
$ 174,800
Bottom 10%
$ 144,300

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

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Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Software Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 157 jobs Python | 130 jobs Machine Learning | 121 jobs Agile | 102 jobs Computer Science | 99 jobs Java | 93 jobs Finance | 74 jobs Architecture | 74 jobs Testing | 73 jobs Banking | 68 jobs AWS | 67 jobs Open Source | 59 jobs NoSQL | 56 jobs Security | 47 jobs Angular | 46 jobs Mathematics | 42 jobs SQL | 40 jobs JavaScript | 39 jobs Spark | 39 jobs APIs | 39 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Wellness and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 142 jobs Wellness | 59 jobs Health care | 45 jobs Equity / stock options | 31 jobs Insurance | 30 jobs Startup environment | 27 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 21 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Medical leave | 19 jobs Salary bonus | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Relocation support | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Transparency | 5 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Fertility benefits | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 60-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20%. Additional remuneration may include stock options, equity, or other long-term incentives, which can vary significantly depending on the company size and industry. For instance, tech giants and startups often offer substantial equity packages, while traditional industries might focus more on cash bonuses. Regional differences also play a role; for example, positions in Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher salaries to account for the cost of living.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing roles with greater responsibility, such as VP of Engineering or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Expanding your skill set to include emerging technologies or business acumen can also be beneficial. Networking within industry circles and attending conferences can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your proven track record can lead to significant increases. Pursuing roles in high-demand sectors, such as fintech or healthcare, where AI/ML is rapidly evolving, can also offer lucrative compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most executive-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex problem-solving and strategic decision-making. Advanced degrees in business administration (MBA) can also be advantageous, particularly for roles that require managing large teams or interfacing with other business units.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate expertise. Certifications such as the Certified Data Scientist (CDS), TensorFlow Developer Certificate, or AWS Certified Machine Learning can be valuable. Additionally, certifications in project management, like PMP or Agile, can be beneficial for roles that involve overseeing large projects or teams.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for executive-level roles in AI/ML/Data Science need extensive experience, often 10-15 years, in software engineering or data science. This experience should include a proven track record of leading teams, managing projects, and delivering successful AI/ML solutions. Experience in strategic planning and a deep understanding of the industry are also crucial. Prior experience in a managerial or director-level role is often required to demonstrate leadership capabilities.

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