As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging Engineer II in the United States is $88,471 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Packaging Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packaging Engineer II'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging Engineer II'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging Engineer I | 0-2 years | $77,593 |
| Packaging Engineer II | 2-4 years | $88,471 |
| Packaging Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,095 |
| Packaging Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,521 |
| Packaging Engineer V | 7-10 years | $162,464 |
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 Packaging Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 2.34% |
| Product Development | 1.3% |
| Lean | 0.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Acumen
|
$108,819 |
23%
|
|
Verification and Validation
|
$97,318 |
10%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$94,664 |
7%
|
|
Operations Management
|
$94,664 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$94,664 |
7%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$92,895 |
5%
|
Packaging Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,954. While startup companies pay approximate $83,686.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,686 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $88,511 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $95,559 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,954 |
For Packaging Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Packaging Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Packaging Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $101,742 | $49.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $101,742 | $49.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $101,742 | $49.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $97,318 | $47.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,318 | $47.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging Engineer IIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Packaging Engineer II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $84,986 and $88,834).
Packaging Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 1.7% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 75.0% |
| Masters | 16.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Packaging Engineer II'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 July 01, 2026For a Packaging Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Packaging Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $105,095 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for a Packaging Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $92,271 in 2023 to around $89,982 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Packaging Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $92,271 |
| 2024 | $90,996 |
| 2025 | $89,982 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Packaging Engineer II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Packaging Engineer II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Packaging Engineer II is $111,588.
The highest pay for Packaging Engineer II is $98,503.
The lowest pay for Packaging Engineer II is $73,952.
Designs product packaging to ensure product integrity and appeal under varying shipping and display conditions. Tests, analyzes, and selects materials for packaging based on durability and cost effectiveness. Evaluates the effectiveness of new package designs and ensures compliance with all requirements and regulations. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Packaging Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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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