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Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer make in South Carolina?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer in South Carolina is $135,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $151,548
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,800 to $143,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $124,610
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View as table View as graph 25% $129,800 10% $124,610 90% $151,548 75% $143,900 $135,500 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 $143,900 $11,992 $2,767 $69
Average $135,500 $11,292 $2,606 $65
25th Percentile $129,800 $10,817 $2,496 $62
Check out Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Job Openings in South Carolina
Manufacturing Engineer

MAU Workforce Solutions - Greenville, SC

Manufacturing Engineer

Tundra Technical Solutions - Greenville, SC

Manufacturing Engineer

Focus - Seneca, SC

Manufacturing Engineer

Columbia Vehicle Group - Aiken, SC

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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): $96,676
  • Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer (7+ years): $117,932
  • Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer (7-10 years): $135,486
  • Production Process Engineer VI (10-12 years): $161,039
  • Production Process Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $92,230
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Senior Manufacturing Engineer4-7 years$96,676
Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer7+ years$117,932
Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer7-10 years$135,486
Production Process Engineer VI10-12 years$161,039
Production Process Engineering Supervisor12+ years$92,230
$96,676 Senior Ma...
$117,932 Specialis...
$135,486 Principal...
$161,039 Productio...
$92,230 Productio...
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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:

  • Spartanburg: $135,000
  • Boiling Springs: $135,000
  • Arcadia: $135,000

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 $152,261. While startup companies pay approximate $128,903.

Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$128,903
Growth Stage51~500$136,299
Established501~5000$147,062
Enterprise5000+$152,261

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$169,375$81.025%
Pharmaceuticals$162,600$78.020%
Internet$155,825$75.015%
Aerospace & Defense$151,760$73.012%
Energy & Utilities$149,050$72.010%

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
$129,800
Average $135,500/year
$143,900
$10,817
Average $11,292/month
$11,992
$2,496
Average $2,606/week
$2,767
$62
Average $65/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $143,900 $11,992 $2,767 $69
Average $135,500 $11,292 $2,606 $65
25th Percentile $129,800 $10,817 $2,496 $62

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 $120,200 -11%
Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor $116,300 -14%
Production Process Engineer VI $161,100 19%
Supervisor - Production Engineering $106,300 -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

  • US Engine Valve

    Westminster, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    US Engine Valve | Westminster, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Exempt Salary Position - First Shift. Basic Qualifications. PRIMARY FUNCTION. Provide technical support to plant operatio... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Dodge Industrial, Inc.

    Greenville, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    Dodge Industrial, Inc. | Greenville, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Manufacturing Engineer. Location. Greenville, SC. Reports to. Manufacturing Engineering Manager. Employment Ty... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Pure Power Technologies Inc

    Blythewood, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    Pure Power Technologies Inc | Blythewood, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Manufacturing Engineer. This position is responsible for developing, improving, and sustaining manufacturing processes th... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Midtown Group

    Greenville, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    The Midtown Group | Greenville, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Our nuclear energy client is hiring an on-site Manufacturing Engineer to support their team in Greenville, SC. . Responsi... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Bosch Group

    North Charleston, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    Bosch Group | North Charleston, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Bosch Charleston is a part of a global network with close to 400,000 associates who make products th... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Bosch Group

    North Charleston, SC

    Manufacturing Engineer

    Bosch Group | North Charleston, SC

    Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Do you want beneficial technologies being shaped by your ideas. Whether in the areas of mobility sol... more

    5 Days Ago

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Cost of Living In South Carolina

Cost of Living in South Carolina is
-6.3% Lower
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