As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer I in the United States is $77,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Packaging R&D Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packaging R&D 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging R&D 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging R&D Engineer I | 0-2 years | $77,589 |
| Intermediate Packaging Engineer | 2-4 years | $88,467 |
| Packaging Development Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,094 |
| Packaging Development Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,529 |
| Lead Packaging Engineer | 7-10 years | $162,469 |
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 R&D Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 2.57% |
| SOP | 1.31% |
| Packaging Engineering | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Use Cases
|
$107,074 |
38%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$90,004 |
16%
|
|
Continuous Quality Improvement
|
$88,453 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$86,901 |
12%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$83,021 |
7%
|
|
Integrity
|
$83,021 |
7%
|
Packaging R&D Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $86,858. While startup companies pay approximate $73,479.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,479 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $77,713 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $83,876 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $86,858 |
For Packaging R&D Engineer I 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 Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Packaging R&D Engineer positions in Chemicals or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Packaging R&D Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,108 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $89,228 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $89,228 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,349 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $85,349 | $41.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging R&D Engineer Is 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 R&D Engineer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $70,171 and $74,245).
Packaging R&D Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.9% |
| High School | 5.9% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 70.6% |
| Masters | 12.6% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a Packaging R&D 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 Packaging R&D Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Packaging Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $88,500 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for a Packaging R&D Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,326 in 2023 to around $74,320 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Packaging R&D Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $75,326 |
| 2024 | $74,995 |
| 2025 | $74,320 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Packaging R&D Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer typically ranges from $69,190 to $83,690 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Entry-level positions may start closer to the minimum, while more experienced engineers can earn towards the maximum salary.
The estimated salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer ranges from $69,190 to $83,690 per year, with a midpoint average of $76,190. These figures reflect the typical compensation for this role, providing a clear understanding of the salary expectations in the packaging engineering field.
The average salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer in the US ranges from $69,190 to $83,690, with a mid-salary of $76,190. This data reflects the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear picture of the compensation landscape in the industry.
A career as an R&D engineer is highly promising, especially with the growing demand from new-age companies. The salary range for Packaging R&D Engineers is competitive, with a minimum of $69,190, a mid-range of $76,190, and a maximum of $83,690. This attractive compensation reflects the critical role these engineers play in innovation and product development.
The starting salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer in the US is approximately $69,190. The mid-range salary is around $76,190, while the maximum salary can reach up to $83,690. These figures reflect the competitive compensation within the engineering field, particularly in packaging research and development.
R&D engineers in the USA typically earn between $69,190 and $83,690 annually, with a median salary of $76,190. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field. While top earners can make significantly more, the average salary for R&D engineers is around $96,571, indicating a competitive market for skilled professionals.
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