As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Lead Packaging Engineer in District of Columbia is $179,870 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.
However, an Lead Packaging Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Lead 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Lead 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging Development Engineer III | 4-7 years | $116,363 |
| Packaging Development Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,389 |
| Lead Packaging Engineer | 7-10 years | $179,868 |
| Packaging R&D Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $153,499 |
| Packaging Development Engineering Senior Manager | 10+ years | $195,463 |
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 Lead Packaging Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how an Lead 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 May 01, 2026For an Lead Packaging Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Packaging R&D Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $153,500 - a projected growth of -15% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Packaging Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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