As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Process Engineer I in South Dakota is $78,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Manufacturing Process Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process Engineer I | 0-2 years | $78,719 |
| Intermediate Process Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,217 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineer III | 4-7 years | $100,141 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineer IV | 7+ years | $122,406 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor | 7+ years | $106,789 |
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 Manufacturing Process Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 $88,348. While startup companies pay approximate $74,813.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $74,813 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,098 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,336 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,348 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $94,464 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,528 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,592 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $86,592 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Telecom | $86,592 | $42.0 | 10% |
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 August 01, 2026For 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 $90,300 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manufacturing Process Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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