As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Development Engineer II in the United States is $99,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Process Development Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Process Development Engineer II'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 II'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 Process Engineer | 0-2 years | $86,619 |
| Process Development Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,271 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,190 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineer IV | 7+ years | $134,690 |
| Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,505 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.36% |
| Design Engineering | 1.83% |
| Chemical Engineering | 1.47% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Semiconductors
|
$104,255 |
5%
|
|
Process Development
|
$103,262 |
4%
|
|
Material Science
|
$103,262 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$101,276 |
2%
|
|
SOP
|
$101,276 |
2%
|
|
Process Manufacturing
|
$101,276 |
2%
|
Process Development Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,434. While startup companies pay approximate $94,362.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,362 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $99,767 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,635 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,434 |
For Process Development Engineer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Process Development Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Process Development Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $148,935 | $72.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $129,077 | $62.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $124,112 | $60.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $119,148 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $109,219 | $53.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Development Engineer IIs 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $87,509 and $91,245).
Process Development Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.5% |
| High School | 1.5% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 51.7% |
| Masters | 37.9% |
| Doctorate | 6.7% |
Understanding how a Process Development Engineer II'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 August 01, 2026For a Process Development Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Manufacturing Process Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $110,200 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Salaries for a Process Development Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,035 in 2023 to around $85,451 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Process Development Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $86,035 |
| 2024 | $85,795 |
| 2025 | $85,451 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Process Development Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
A good salary for a Process Development Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $84,390 to $97,890 annually, with a mid-salary of around $91,490. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation for professionals in this role.
Engineer I is the entry-level classification, performing less complex tasks under supervision, with a salary range of $84,390 to $91,490. Engineer II is the advanced level, handling more complex work and earning between $91,490 and $97,890. While both roles are important, Engineer II offers greater responsibilities and higher compensation.
Process Development Engineers in the US typically earn between $84,390 and $97,890 annually. The average salary is around $91,490. While top earners can make significantly more, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this field.
Yes, process engineers are in demand due to their critical role in optimizing manufacturing processes and improving efficiency. With a salary range for Process Development Engineers typically between $84,390 and $97,890, this field offers competitive compensation, reflecting the importance of their expertise in various industries.
The highest-paid engineers in the United States include Petroleum Engineers with a median annual salary of $137,322, Aerospace Engineers at $118,602, and Nuclear Engineers earning $116,147. In comparison, Process Development Engineers have a salary range with a minimum of $84,390, a midpoint of $91,490, and a maximum of $97,890.
Process Development Engineers in the US earn an average salary ranging from $84,390 to $97,890, with a mid-salary of $91,490. 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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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