How much does a VP of engineering make?

Highly experienced VP of engineering should expect to earn closer to $800,000 in a year, while new and less experienced VPs of engineering should anticipate lower salaries that might range from $200,000 to $400,000 a year.

Additionally, education also impacts salary. While anyone can work hard and gain the necessary experience and try to move into the role of VP of engineering, the most qualified (and therefore highest paid) candidates would possess a master's degree in their field.

Salary is also impacted by organizational structure. Salary depends largely on the size and complexity of the organization a VP of engineering works for. If the company is larger and more complex, the level of vice president is typically higher within the company, which is harder to achieve and will typically pay more.

Alternatively, in smaller and flatter companies, a person can achieve the title of VP of engineering with less experience and will typically be paid less.

Finally, industry also impacts salary expectations for the VP of engineering. Industries that have a high reliance on their engineering teams (like technology, gas and oil, and industrial plants) will often pay their vice president of engineering significantly more money in order to pull in the best talent available.