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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Technician I in Illinois is $43,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Manufacturing Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Manufacturing Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $48,200 | $4,017 | $927 | $23 |
| Average | $43,700 | $3,642 | $840 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,800 | $3,400 | $785 | $20 |
Randstad - Round Lake, IL
Confidential - Batavia, IL
Advance Equipment Mfg. Co. - Chicago, IL
Illinois Tool Works - Roselle, IL
A Manufacturing Technician 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 Technician 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 Technician I | 0-1 years | $43,616 |
| Manufacturing Technician II | 1-3 years | $55,774 |
| Manufacturing Technician III | 3-5 years | $62,279 |
| Manufacturing Technician IV | 5-7 years | $68,759 |
| Production Foreman I | 7+ years | $66,097 |
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 Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Manufacturing Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,033. While startup companies pay approximate $41,494.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,494 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,881 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,353 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,033 |
For Manufacturing Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 44% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $53,314 | $26.0 | 22% |
| Internet | $51,129 | $25.0 | 17% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,944 | $24.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $48,070 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $48,070 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Manufacturing Technician 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $48,200 | $4,017 | $927 | $23 |
| Average | $43,700 | $3,642 | $840 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,800 | $3,400 | $785 | $20 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Manufacturing Technician I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Production Line Operations Supervisor | $74,600 | 71% |
| Manufacturing Technician II | $55,800 | 28% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manufacturing Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
John Crane
Morton Grove, IL
John Crane | Morton Grove, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solution... more
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Stryker
Cary, IL
Stryker | Cary, IL
Technician Position. Work Flexibility: Onsite. Schedule: Monday-Friday 2:15pm-10:30pm, OT Required. Position Summary. The Technician will be an individual ... more
2 Days Ago
Fol-Da-Tank
Milan, IL
Fol-Da-Tank | Milan, IL
Job Description. Job Description. FOL-DA-TANK is seeking a Fabricator / Manufacturing Technician to join our team in Milan, IL. This position focuses on in... more
1 Day Ago
Labor Solutions Professional
Bedford Park, IL
Labor Solutions Professional | Bedford Park, IL
Job Description. Job Description. We are currently seeking a Maintenance Technician to join our team. You will be responsible for completing work orders an... more
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SCOT FORGE
Spring Grove, IL
SCOT FORGE | Spring Grove, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Manufacturing Engineering Technician. Position Summary. The Manufacturing Engineering Technician is responsible for provi... more
4 Days Ago
BEPC INC
Des Plaines, IL
BEPC INC | Des Plaines, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Drug Manufacturing Technician. Location. Des Plaines, IL 60018. Employment Type. W2 Contract – 12 Months with ... more
4 Days Ago
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