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Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Manufacturing Process Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Process Engineer I in the United States is $86,630 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

However, a Manufacturing Process Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,748
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,850 to $94,020
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,677

Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salaries

A Manufacturing Process Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing Process Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing Process Engineer 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:

  • Manufacturing Process Engineer I (0-2 years): $86,626
  • Intermediate Process Engineer (2-4 years): $99,277
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,193
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,698
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $117,502
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Manufacturing Process Engineer I0-2 years$86,626
Intermediate Process Engineer2-4 years$99,277
Manufacturing Process Engineer III4-7 years$110,193
Manufacturing Process Engineer IV7+ years$134,698
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor7+ years$117,502

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing Process Engineer Is

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: $109,270
  • San Francisco: $108,070
  • Oakland: $105,790

What Skills Can Increase a Manufacturing Process Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.14% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.46% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.14%
Design Engineering 1.88%
PowerPoint 1.46%

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 Manufacturing Process Engineer I's salary.

  • Semiconductors: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Mechanical Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Six Sigma: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Semiconductors $95,293
10%
Mechanical Engineering $93,560
8%
Six Sigma $93,560
8%

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Manufacturing Process Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,046. While startup companies pay approximate $82,173.

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $82,173
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,878
Established 501~5000 $93,734
Enterprise 5000+ $97,046

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing Process Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Process Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Process Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manufacturing Process Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$103,956$50.020%
Energy & Utilities$99,624$48.015%
Aerospace & Defense$95,293$46.010%
Software & Networking$95,293$46.010%
Telecom$95,293$46.010%

How Education impacts a Manufacturing Process Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Manufacturing Process Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Manufacturing Process Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $74,900 and $77,752).

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Manufacturing Process Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.3%
High School 2.3%
Associates 3.5%
Bachelors 62.6%
Masters 27.0%
Doctorate 4.6%

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing Process Engineer 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$79,850
Average $86,630/year
$94,020
$6,654
Average $7,219/month
$7,835
$1,536
Average $1,666/week
$1,808
$38
Average $42/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $94,020 $7,835 $1,808 $45
Average $86,630 $7,219 $1,666 $42
25th Percentile $79,850 $6,654 $1,536 $38

Manufacturing Process Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Manufacturing Process Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Process Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $99,300 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Manufacturing Process Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Manufacturing Process Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Manufacturing Process Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Manufacturing Process Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Manufacturing Process Engineer I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Manufacturing Process Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Is manufacturing engineer stressful?

Is it stressful to work as a Manufacturing Engineer? Manufacturing Engineers often face tight deadlines and high expectations to maintain efficiency, quality, and safety standards. Balancing these demands requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. With salaries ranging from $73,070 to $84,140, the financial rewards can help offset the stress of the role.

3. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineers in the USA are typically in Computer Engineering, earning an average of USD 140,830 annually, followed by IT Engineering at USD 132,930. In contrast, Manufacturing Process Engineers have a salary range with a minimum of USD 73,070, a mid-point of USD 78,110, and a maximum of USD 84,140.

4. How many hours do process engineers work?

Most process engineers work full-time for 40 hours a week. Hours can vary: some engineers work during the day, while others take early morning, evening, or overnight shifts. The salary for a Manufacturing Process Engineer typically ranges from $73,070 to $84,140, with a median salary of $78,110.

5. How much do manufacturing engineers make in the US?

Manufacturing Process Engineers in the US earn between $73,070 and $84,140 annually, with a median salary of $78,110. This translates to approximately $35.12 to $40.49 per hour, or about $1,408 to $1,616 per week, and $6,083 to $7,000 per month.

6. Are manufacturing engineers in high demand?

Demand for Manufacturing Engineers is expected to rise, with an anticipated 35,600 new jobs by 2029, reflecting an annual growth of 1.36 percent. Salaries for this role range from $73,070 to $84,140, with a median salary of $78,110, indicating a competitive compensation package in a growing field.

7. Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

As a Manufacturing Process Engineer, salaries typically range from $73,070 to $84,140, with a mid-point of $78,110. Achieving a salary of $300,000 annually is highly unlikely in this field without significant experience, advanced degrees, or specialized roles.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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