As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an MES Engineer III in South Dakota is $94,220 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an MES Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An MES Engineer 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an MES Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Execution System Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,474 |
| Manufacturing Execution System Engineer II | 2-4 years | $85,969 |
| MES Engineer III | 4-7 years | $94,216 |
| Manufacturing Execution System Engineer IV | 7+ years | $102,446 |
| Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor | 7+ years | $112,708 |
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 MES Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
MES Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,875. While startup companies pay approximate $89,633.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $89,633 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $94,775 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $102,260 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $105,875 |
For MES Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, MES Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view MES Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals | $113,064 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $113,064 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $113,064 | $54.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $108,353 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $103,642 | $50.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an MES Engineer 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an MES Engineer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biologics Manufacturing Engineer IV | $120,700 | 28% |
| Manufacturing Execution System Engineer IV | $102,500 | 9% |
| Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer | $114,400 | 21% |
| Manufacturing Production Engineer IV | $114,400 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current MES Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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