As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Development Engineer I in the United States is $86,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Process Development Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Process Development 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 Process Development 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Process Development Engineer I | $86,083 |
| Intermediate Level Process Development Engineer I | $86,590 |
| Senior Level Process Development Engineer I | $87,915 |
| Specialist Level Process Development Engineer I | $88,799 |
| Expert Level Process Development Engineer I | $89,020 |
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 Process Development Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.14% |
| Design Engineering | 1.88% |
| PowerPoint | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Semiconductors
|
$95,249 |
10%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$93,517 |
8%
|
|
Six Sigma
|
$93,517 |
8%
|
|
Lean
|
$92,651 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,651 |
7%
|
|
Process Development
|
$92,651 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Development Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Process Development Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $74,951 and $77,806).
Process Development Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 62.6% |
| Masters | 27.0% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a Process Development 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 January 01, 2026For a Process Development Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Process Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $99,300 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Process Development Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $69,859 in 2023 to around $70,282 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Process Development Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $69,859 |
| 2024 | $70,439 |
| 2025 | $70,282 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Can a Process Development Engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's highly unlikely for most in this field. The salary range typically falls between $73,090 and $84,190, with the majority earning around $78,190. While exceptional cases may exist, reaching $500,000 is not common for this role.
A base salary of 300k is uncommon for engineers, including Process Development Engineers, whose salaries typically range from 73,090 to 84,190. Such high earnings are usually associated with director-level positions, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.
A base salary of 300k is uncommon for engineers, including Process Development Engineers, whose salaries range from approximately 73,090 to 84,190. Such high earnings typically reflect director-level positions or include significant bonuses and stock options.
In the USA, a Process Development Engineer typically earns between $73,090 and $84,190, with a mid-salary of $78,190. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation for professionals in this role.
Process Development Engineers in the US earn a salary range of approximately $73,090 to $84,190, with a mid-salary of around $78,190. While this is competitive, it is generally lower than the salaries of specialized software developers, such as Python engineers, who can earn between $104,000 and $200,000 due to high demand for their skills.
How much does a Process Engineer make in Texas? Based on recent salary data, the annual pay for a Process Development Engineer in Texas ranges from $73,090 to $84,190, with a mid-salary of $78,190. This translates to approximately $35.12 to $40.49 per hour, or $1,408 to $1,615 per week.
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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