VP Engineering salaries in San Diego range from $319,000 to $1,450,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $580,000, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$319,000 – $435,000
Median: $377,000 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$464,000 – $696,000
Median: $580,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$725,000 – $1,450,000
Median: $1,087,500 · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated VP Engineering Salary in San Diego, CA
Estimated†Median: $833,750 per year (adjusted for San Diego cost of living)
Junior
$377,000
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$580,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$1,087,500
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $580,000 | very high |
| New York, NY | $580,000 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $580,000 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $480,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $400,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $400,000 | moderate |