As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Packaging Engineer in the United States is $77,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Entry Packaging Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Packaging Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Packaging Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Packaging Engineer | $77,155 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Packaging Engineer | $77,858 |
| Senior Level Entry Packaging Engineer | $79,045 |
| Specialist Level Entry Packaging Engineer | $79,282 |
| Expert Level Entry Packaging Engineer | $79,440 |
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 Entry Packaging Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 2.57% |
| SOP | 1.31% |
| Packaging Engineering | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Use Cases
|
$107,226 |
38%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$90,132 |
16%
|
|
Continuous Quality Improvement
|
$88,578 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$87,024 |
12%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$83,139 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$83,139 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Packaging Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Packaging Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $70,181 and $74,255).
Entry Packaging Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.9% |
| High School | 5.9% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 70.6% |
| Masters | 12.6% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how an Entry Packaging Engineer'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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For an Entry Packaging Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Packaging Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,500 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Packaging Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,326 in 2023 to around $74,320 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Packaging Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $75,326 |
| 2024 | $74,995 |
| 2025 | $74,320 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The lowest salary for an Entry Packaging Engineer in the U.S. is approximately $69,200, with a mid-range salary of about $76,200 and a maximum salary reaching $83,700. This reflects a more specific salary range compared to broader engineering roles, highlighting the competitive compensation in this field.
Yes, packaging engineers are in demand. Employment for packaging engineers is projected to grow at an average rate through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $69,200 to $83,700, with a median salary of $76,200, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.
A beginner Packaging Engineer in the USA typically earns between $69,200 and $83,700 annually, with a median salary of around $76,200. This range reflects the entry-level compensation in the engineering field, which can vary based on industry and location.
Earning $40,000 a year is significantly below the entry-level salary range for a Packaging Engineer, which starts at $69,200. While it may suffice for someone with low expenses, it falls short compared to the minimum salary in this field. A household income of $80,000, with two earners at this level, would be more aligned with industry standards.
A career as a packaging designer can be rewarding, offering diverse opportunities in visual communication, structural design, and material innovation. With an entry-level salary ranging from $69,200 to $83,700, it's a blend of art, science, and engineering that allows you to make a significant impact in various industries.
If you make $75,000 a year, you're earning within the range of an Entry Packaging Engineer's salary, which has a minimum of $69,200 and a maximum of $83,700. This means you're earning a competitive salary, as it falls above the midpoint of $76,200. Many would consider this a good salary in the U.S., providing a comfortable standard of living.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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