Salary for Executive-level / Director Software Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Software Engineer salary lies between USD 174,800 and USD 243,300 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Jan. 12, 2025

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

In the United States, the salary composition for an Executive-level or Director Software Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a combination of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 60% to 80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company success, usually account for 10% to 20%. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or equity, can vary significantly depending on the company size and industry, often making up 10% to 30% of the total package.

Regionally, salaries can vary, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, and Seattle offering higher compensation due to the cost of living and competitive job markets. Industry-wise, tech companies, especially those in AI and data-driven sectors, tend to offer more lucrative packages compared to traditional industries. Larger companies may provide more comprehensive benefits and stock options, while startups might offer higher equity stakes.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary from an Executive-level or Director position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Skill Set: Stay updated with the latest AI/ML technologies and methodologies. Specializing in emerging areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can make you more valuable.
• Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership and management skills. Pursuing executive education programs or leadership certifications can prepare you for higher roles.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network. Engaging with industry leaders and participating in conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.
• Performance and Results: Demonstrate your impact on the company’s success. Quantifiable achievements can be leveraged during salary negotiations or when seeking promotions.
• Consider Industry Shifts: Transitioning to industries with higher pay scales, such as finance or healthcare, where AI/ML is increasingly critical, can lead to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

For an Executive-level or Director position in AI/ML/Data Science, a strong educational background is essential. Most candidates hold at least a Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related field. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that require deep technical expertise or research capabilities. Additionally, an MBA or a degree in management can be beneficial for those looking to move into more strategic or business-oriented roles.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, candidates for an Executive-level or Director position in AI/ML/Data Science have at least 10-15 years of experience in software engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to AI/ML or data science. Experience in leading teams, managing projects, and driving strategic initiatives is crucial. A proven track record of successful AI/ML implementations and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value are highly valued.

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