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Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary in the United States

How much does a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III in the United States is $101,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.

However, a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $121,532
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $91,590 to $111,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $82,941
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salaries

A Lean Six Sigma Specialist III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Lean Six Sigma Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III'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:

  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator I (0-2 years): $56,864
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II (2-4 years): $79,451
  • Lean Six Sigma Specialist III (4-7 years): $101,006
  • Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV (7+ years): $125,359
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator V (7-10 years): $147,357
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator I0-2 years$56,864
Lean Six Sigma Programs Analyst II2-4 years$79,451
Lean Six Sigma Specialist III4-7 years$101,006
Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV7+ years$125,359
Lean Six Sigma Programs Administrator V7-10 years$147,357
View as Graph

How Do Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Lean Six Sigma Specialist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $111,890.
  • California: $111,490.
  • Massachusetts: $109,990.

Top Paying Cities for Lean Six Sigma Specialist IIIs

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:

  • San Jose: $127,390
  • San Francisco: $126,090
  • Oakland: $123,390

What Skills Can Increase a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.77% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Quality Management System (Mentioned in 2.17% Job Postings): Enforcing a set of policies and procedures in coordinating and directing an organization to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Data Collection (Mentioned in 1.3% Job Postings): Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.77%
Quality Management System 2.17%
Data Collection 1.3%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III's salary.

  • Building Relationships: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Inventory Management: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Building Relationships $115,243
14%
Inventory Management $113,221
12%
Standard Operating Procedures $111,199
10%
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Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $112,972. While startup companies pay approximate $95,563.

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $95,563
Growth Stage 51~500 $101,067
Established 501~5000 $109,089
Enterprise 5000+ $112,972

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lean Six Sigma Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lean Six Sigma Specialist positions in Business Services or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lean Six Sigma Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$126,362$61.025%
Biotechnology$121,308$58.020%
Financial Services$116,253$56.015%
Pharmaceuticals$113,221$54.012%
Software & Networking$111,199$53.010%

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III'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 September 01, 2026
$91,590
Average $101,090/year
$111,790
$7,633
Average $8,424/month
$9,316
$1,761
Average $1,944/week
$2,150
$44
Average $49/hour
$54
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $111,790 $9,316 $2,150 $54
Average $101,090 $8,424 $1,944 $49
25th Percentile $91,590 $7,633 $1,761 $44

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Lean Six Sigma Specialist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Lean Six Sigma Specialist III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Lean Six Sigma Specialist IV $125,400 24%
Six Sigma Green Belt $119,800 19%
Product Quality Assurance Analyst IV $124,700 23%

Most common benefits for Lean Six Sigma Specialist III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Lean Six Sigma Specialist III

Here are companies hiring for Lean Six Sigma Specialist III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lean Six Sigma Specialist III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lean Six Sigma Specialist III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Lean Six Sigma Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Do I need a degree for Lean Six Sigma?

No, a degree is not required to obtain a Lean Six Sigma certification. However, having relevant experience can be beneficial. Lean Six Sigma Specialists can expect salaries ranging from $93,590 to $111,790, with a median salary of $102,490, reflecting the value of skills and expertise in this field.

3. What is the highest certification in Lean Six Sigma?

Black Belt certification is the highest official level in Lean Six Sigma. Professionals with this certification are experts in LSS strategies, having completed extensive coursework and gained significant on-the-job experience. In terms of salary, Lean Six Sigma Specialists can expect to earn between $93,590 and $111,790, with a median salary of $102,490.

4. What is yellow belt Six Sigma salary?

The salary for a Six Sigma Yellow Belt can vary based on factors like location and experience. However, Lean Six Sigma Specialists typically earn between $93,590 and $111,790 annually, with a median salary of around $102,490. This reflects the growing demand for professionals with Six Sigma certifications in various industries.

5. Do I need a degree for Lean Six Sigma?

No, a degree is not required to obtain a Lean Six Sigma certification. However, having relevant experience can be beneficial. Lean Six Sigma Specialists can expect salaries ranging from $93,590 to $111,790, with a median salary of $102,490, reflecting the value of skills and expertise in this field.

6. Is it worth getting Lean Six Sigma Certified?

Is it worth getting Lean Six Sigma Certified? Absolutely! With salaries ranging from $93,590 to $111,790, obtaining a Lean Six Sigma certification can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential. This certification is highly regarded and can open doors to various opportunities in process improvement and operational excellence.

7. Do employers like Lean Six Sigma?

Employers highly value Lean Six Sigma certifications across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and technology. Professionals in this field can expect salaries ranging from $93,590 to $111,790, with a median salary of $102,490. This reflects the demand for expertise in process improvement and efficiency.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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