As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer III in the United States is $105,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Packaging R&D Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Packaging R&D 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Packaging R&D 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Packaging Engineer | 0-2 years | $77,604 |
| Intermediate Packaging Engineer | 2-4 years | $88,483 |
| Packaging R&D Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,098 |
| Packaging Development Engineer IV | 7+ years | $129,498 |
| Lead Packaging Engineer | 7-10 years | $162,448 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 2.52% |
| SOP | 1.29% |
| Packaging Engineering | 0.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Use Cases
|
$120,854 |
15%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$111,395 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$109,294 |
4%
|
|
Work Ethic
|
$108,243 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$108,243 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$108,243 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Packaging R&D Engineer IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $108,551 and $113,314).
Packaging R&D Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.1% |
| High School | 4.1% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 63.3% |
| Masters | 28.6% |
| Doctorate | 2.0% |
Understanding how a Packaging R&D 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 April 01, 2026For a Packaging R&D Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Packaging Development Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $129,500 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Salaries for a Packaging R&D Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,801 in 2023 to around $110,033 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Packaging R&D Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,801 |
| 2024 | $111,257 |
| 2025 | $110,033 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Among the highest-paying engineering jobs in the USA, Packaging R&D Engineers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $105,790, a mid-range of $113,990, and a maximum of $123,890. Other top engineering roles include Biomedical, Environmental, and Petroleum Engineers, each offering substantial compensation based on expertise and industry demand.
The highest salary that a Packaging R&D Engineer can earn is $123,890 per year.
Yes, R&D salaries can be included as qualifying research expenses. For example, a Packaging R&D Engineer's salary ranges from $105,790 to $123,890, with a midpoint of $113,990. If an employee dedicates at least 80% of their time to qualified R&D activities, their entire salary may qualify as an expense.
To become a packaging engineer, a bachelor's degree in packaging science, engineering, logistics, or food science is essential. Recommended high school courses include agricultural education, physics, computer courses, biology, and mathematics. The salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer typically ranges from $105,790 to $123,890, with a median salary of $113,990.
A Principal Packaging Engineer typically earns between $105,790 and $123,890 annually, with a mid-salary of $113,990. While some cities like Mountain View, CA, offer salaries around $173,584, the general range for this role reflects the competitive nature of the industry.
The salary for a Packaging R&D Engineer in the US ranges from $105,790 to $123,890, with a median salary of $113,990. In comparison, the head of R&D typically earns significantly more, with top earners making around $176,000 annually.
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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