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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer in Ohio is $140,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $149,500 | $12,458 | $2,875 | $72 |
| Average | $140,800 | $11,733 | $2,708 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,800 | $11,233 | $2,592 | $65 |
AMREP Supplier Management Services - Columbus, OH
Enjet Aero, LLC - Dayton, OH
Redbock - an NES Fircroft company - Cincinnati, OH
Beneficial Talent Source - Cincinnati, OH
A Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer'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 Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Manufacturing Engineer | 4-7 years | $100,462 |
| Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer | 7+ years | $122,551 |
| Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer | 7-10 years | $140,792 |
| Production Process Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $167,347 |
| Production Process Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $95,842 |
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 Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineers. 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:
Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $158,217. While startup companies pay approximate $133,945.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $133,945 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $141,630 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $152,814 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $158,217 |
For Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer 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 Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $176,000 | $85.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $168,960 | $81.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $161,920 | $78.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $157,696 | $76.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $154,880 | $74.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer'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 | $149,500 | $12,458 | $2,875 | $72 |
| Average | $140,800 | $11,733 | $2,708 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,800 | $11,233 | $2,592 | $65 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer, 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 Engineering Manager | $124,900 | -11% |
| Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor | $120,800 | -14% |
| Production Process Engineer VI | $167,400 | 19% |
| Supervisor - Production Engineering | $110,500 | -22% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Orbia
Elyria, OH
Orbia | Elyria, OH
Job Description. Job Description. Dura-Line is hiring for a Manufacturing Engineer in [LOCATION]. About Orbia Connectivity Solutions Dura-Line. Join Dura‑L... more
2 Days Ago
Precision Products Group, Inc.
Apple Creek, OH
Precision Products Group, Inc. | Apple Creek, OH
Manufacturing Engineer. Job Location. Apple Creek, OH. Reports to. Plant Manager. FLSA Status. Exempt. Employment Type. Full-time. About PPG. Precision Pro... more
3 Days Ago
American Wood Fibers, Inc
Circleville, OH
American Wood Fibers, Inc | Circleville, OH
Job Description. Job Description. American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a leading manufacturer of consumer and industrial wood-based products serving pet, agricult... more
3 Days Ago
Magna Machine Co
Cincinnati, OH
Magna Machine Co | Cincinnati, OH
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Engineer the Future. Own a Piece of It. At GTC/Magna Machine, manufacturing engineers don't just sit behind ... more
4 Days Ago
DwyerOmega
Sunbury, OH
DwyerOmega | Sunbury, OH
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Works with Value ... more
4 Days Ago
American Metal Stamping Company LLC
Euclid, OH
American Metal Stamping Company LLC | Euclid, OH
Job Description. Job Description. Mid America Stainless is looking for an enthusiastic, creative and positive-minded Manufacturing Engineer to join our pro... more
4 Days Ago
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