TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Sr. Director of Engineering Salary
in Tempe, AZ

Senior engineering leader overseeing multiple teams and major technical initiatives. Median salary in Tempe: $279K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$279K
per year
Take-home: $189K

Salary range in Tempe

Entry level (25th)$216,000
Median (50th)$279,000
Senior (75th)$354,000
Top earner (90th)$451,000

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

Key facts for Tempe

Median salary
$279K
annual
Take-home pay
$189K
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
+6.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Tempe Sr. 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 $279K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Tempe

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

HistoricalProjected
Sr. Director of Engineering salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$234K$255K$275K$296K$316K201920212023202520272029
2026
$286K
projected
2027
$293K
projected
2028
$300K
projected
2029
$308K
projected
2030
$316K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$279,000+$0
2028 projected$279,000+$0
2029 projected$279,000+$0
2030 projected$279,000+$0

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

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

The median Sr. Director of Engineering salary in Tempe, AZ is $279,000 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 Sr. Director of Engineering in Tempe

Entry-level Sr. Director of Engineerings in Tempe with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $216,000 and $279,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $279,000 to $354,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $354,000 to $451,000 or more.

Cost of living in Tempe for Sr. 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 Sr. Director of Engineering

Bachelor's in CS; 13+ years engineering; senior management. This role is 62% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Tempe-based professionals.

Sr. Director of Engineering salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Tempe (current)$279K108
Phoenix$271K100
Tucson$227K90
Mesa$258K98
Chandler$279K105
Scottsdale$297K118