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Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer make in Rhode Island?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer in Rhode Island is $150,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.

However, a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $167,576
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $143,600 to $159,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,773
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View as table View as graph 25% $143,600 10% $137,773 90% $167,576 75% $159,200 $150,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $159,200 $13,267 $3,062 $77
Average $150,000 $12,500 $2,885 $72
25th Percentile $143,600 $11,967 $2,762 $69
Check out Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Job Openings in Rhode Island
Manufacturing Engineer

LSI Industries, Inc. - Cranston, RI

Manufacturing Engineer

Orion RED - Smithfield, RI

Surface Mount Technology Manufacturing Engineer II

Whelen Engineering - Charlestown, RI

Senior Associate Additive Manufacturing Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - RESEDA, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Senior Manufacturing Engineer (4-7 years): $106,973
  • Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer (7+ years): $130,493
  • Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer (7-10 years): $149,916
  • Production Process Engineer VI (10-12 years): $178,192
  • Production Process Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $102,053
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Manufacturing Engineer4-7 years$106,973
Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer7+ years$130,493
Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer7-10 years$149,916
Production Process Engineer VI10-12 years$178,192
Production Process Engineering Supervisor12+ years$102,053
$106,973 Senior Ma...
$130,493 Specialis...
$149,916 Principal...
$178,192 Productio...
$102,053 Productio...
View as Table
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineers

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:

  • Adamsville: $151,800
  • Albion: $150,600
  • Ashaway: $151,600

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $168,555. While startup companies pay approximate $142,697.

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$142,697
Growth Stage51~500$150,884
Established501~5000$162,799
Enterprise5000+$168,555

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$187,500$90.025%
Pharmaceuticals$180,000$87.020%
Internet$172,500$83.015%
Aerospace & Defense$168,000$81.012%
Energy & Utilities$165,000$79.010%

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$143,600
Average $150,000/year
$159,200
$11,967
Average $12,500/month
$13,267
$2,762
Average $2,885/week
$3,062
$69
Average $72/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $159,200 $13,267 $3,062 $77
Average $150,000 $12,500 $2,885 $72
25th Percentile $143,600 $11,967 $2,762 $69

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer
Biologics Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor
Production Process Engineer VI
Supervisor - Production Engineering
Manufacturing Execution System Manager
Production Process Engineering Supervisor, Sr.
Manufacturing Production Engineering Manager

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.

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Biologics Manufacturing Engineering Manager $133,000 -11%
Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor $128,600 -14%
Production Process Engineer VI $178,200 19%
Supervisor - Production Engineering $117,600 -22%

Salaries of jobs related to Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer

Find Your Next Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Job

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.

United States

  • RIX INDUSTRIES

    GREENBRAE, NV

    Manufacturing Engineer II

    RIX INDUSTRIES | GREENBRAE, NV

    Manufacturing Engineer II Location: Sparks, NV Job Type: Full time Requisition ID: JR100089 RIX Industries is a technology-focused company specializing in ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Hoerbiger

    PARK, IL

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    Hoerbiger | PARK, IL

    As a Manufacturing Engineer at Hoerbiger, you will design, optimize, and support manufacturing processes for advanced compression, drive, and mechatronic s... more

    2 Days Ago

  • DW Products

    CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

    CNC Manufacturing Engineer Programmer

    DW Products | CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

    At a Glance Company: DW Screw Machine Products Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Job Type: Full-Time Salary: $85,000–$90,000 per year (DOE) Schedule: 1st Shift ... more

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  • GE Vernova

    UPPER UNION, NY

    Engineer

    GE Vernova | UPPER UNION, NY

    As a Lead Engineer in GE Vernova’s Engineering & Design team, you will drive end-to-end technical execution of complex energy and grid projects that enable... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Exelon

    FOX VALLEY FACILITY, IL

    Engineer

    Exelon | FOX VALLEY FACILITY, IL

    Exelon Corporation, a leader in sustainable energy, is seeking a seasoned Sr Engineer to join our dynamic team in Chicago. This pivotal role is geared towa... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Exelon

    AVONDALE, IL

    Engineer

    Exelon | AVONDALE, IL

    Exelon Corporation, a leader in sustainable energy, is seeking a seasoned Sr Engineer to join our dynamic team in Chicago. This pivotal role is geared towa... more

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Cost of Living In Rhode Island

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3.7% Higher
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