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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Continuous Improvement Specialist I in Minnesota is $72,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Continuous Improvement Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Continuous Improvement Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $82,000 | $6,833 | $1,577 | $39 |
| Average | $72,200 | $6,017 | $1,388 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,800 | $4,983 | $1,150 | $29 |
Protolabs - Maple Plain, MN
Force America - Alexandria, MN
Monogram Foods - Chandler, MN
Brunswick Corporation - New York Mills, MN
A Continuous Improvement Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Continuous Improvement Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Improvement Specialist I | 0-2 years | $72,142 |
| Continuous Improvement Specialist II | 2-4 years | $95,960 |
| Continuous Improvement Specialist III | 4-7 years | $119,197 |
| Continuous Improvement Specialist IV | 7+ years | $130,753 |
| Continuous Improvement Specialist V | 7-10 years | $146,417 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Continuous Improvement Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Continuous Improvement Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,824. While startup companies pay approximate $68,375.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,375 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,315 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,050 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $80,824 |
For Continuous Improvement Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 51% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Continuous Improvement Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Continuous Improvement Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $90,250 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $90,250 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $83,030 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $83,030 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $79,420 | $38.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Continuous Improvement Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $82,000 | $6,833 | $1,577 | $39 |
| Average | $72,200 | $6,017 | $1,388 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,800 | $4,983 | $1,150 | $29 |
For a Continuous Improvement Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Continuous Improvement Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $95,960 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Continuous Improvement Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Johnson Health Tech Companies
Minneapolis, MN
Johnson Health Tech Companies | Minneapolis, MN
Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionPosition OverviewUnder the direction of the General Manager of Operations, this position applies interpersonal skills and exper... more
7 Days Ago
TOMZ Manufacturing Corp
Big Lake, MN
TOMZ Manufacturing Corp | Big Lake, MN
Job Description. Job Description. Lead the heartbeat of our plant. Imagine starting your day with a quick walk-through of Facilities, MFG Ops, Post Machini... more
4 Days Ago
Dakota County CDA
Saint Paul, MN
Dakota County CDA | Saint Paul, MN
Salary: $31.56 - $39.45 HourlyLocation : Eagan, MNJob Type: FT Non-Limited TermJob Number: 2026-00084Department: Community and Economic DevelopmentOpening ... more
7 Days Ago
University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN
University of Minnesota | Saint Paul, MN
Apply for Job Job ID 371648Location Twin CitiesJob Family Education-GeneralFull/Part Time Part-TimeRegular/Temporary RegularJob Code 9754Employee Class Aca... more
7 Days Ago
Trystar Inc
Faribault, MN
Trystar Inc | Faribault, MN
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Master Blackbelt – Continuous Improvement. Job Description. Trystar is at the forefront of advancing power sol... more
3 Days Ago
Applied Engineering
Faribault, MN
Applied Engineering | Faribault, MN
Job Description. Job Description. COMPANY OVERVIEW. Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement | Faribault, MN. Applied Engineering, Inc. is seeking a... more
6 Days Ago
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