TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Director of Engineering Salary
in Tempe, AZ

Lead engineering teams, set technical direction, and drive product development. Median salary in Tempe: $232K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$232K
per year
Take-home: $157K

Salary range in Tempe

Entry level (25th)$181,000
Median (50th)$232,000
Senior (75th)$294,000
Top earner (90th)$373,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Tempe, Arizona.

Key facts for Tempe

Median salary
$232K
annual
Take-home pay
$157K
after fed/state tax
COL index
108
100 = US avg
State income tax
2.5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Tempe Director of Engineering to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $232K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Tempe

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Director of Engineering salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$194K$211K$228K$245K$262K201920212023202520272029
2026
$238K
projected
2027
$244K
projected
2028
$250K
projected
2029
$256K
projected
2030
$262K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$232,000+$0
2028 projected$232,000+$0
2029 projected$232,000+$0
2030 projected$232,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Director of Engineering Salary in Tempe, Arizona: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Director of Engineering salary in Tempe, AZ is $232,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Tempe–AZ metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Director of Engineering in Tempe

Entry-level Director of Engineerings in Tempe with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $181,000 and $232,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $232,000 to $294,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $294,000 to $373,000 or more.

Cost of living in Tempe for Director of Engineerings

Tempe has a cost of living index of 108 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Tempe are close to the national average. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Director of Engineering

Bachelor's in CS or Engineering; 10+ years engineering; management experience. This role is 65% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Tempe-based professionals.

Director of Engineering salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Tempe (current)$232K108
Phoenix$226K100
Tucson$189K90
Mesa$215K98
Chandler$232K105
Scottsdale$247K118