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Process Optimization Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Process Optimization Engineer II make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Optimization Engineer II in the United States is $99,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a Process Optimization Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $113,459
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $92,253 to $106,713
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $85,834
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Process Optimization Engineer II Salaries

A Process Optimization 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.

How Experience Level Affects Process Optimization Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Process Optimization 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:

  • Entry Process Engineer (0-2 years): $86,632
  • Process Optimization Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,282
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,196
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,706
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $117,499
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Process Engineer0-2 years$86,632
Process Optimization Engineer II2-4 years$99,282
Manufacturing Process Engineer III4-7 years$110,196
Manufacturing Process Engineer IV7+ years$134,706
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor7+ years$117,499
View as Graph

How Do Process Optimization Engineer II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Optimization Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $109,943.
  • California: $109,523.
  • Massachusetts: $108,063.

Top Paying Cities for Process Optimization Engineer IIs

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:

  • San Jose: $125,243
  • San Francisco: $123,873
  • Oakland: $121,263

What Skills Can Increase a Process Optimization Engineer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.36% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Design Engineering (Mentioned in 1.83% Job Postings): Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
  • Chemical Engineering (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to efficiently use, produce, design, transport and transform energy and materials. The work of chemical engineers can range from the utilisation of nano-technology and nano-materials in the laboratory to large-scale industrial processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms, and energy into useful forms and products. Chemical engineers are involved in many aspects of plant design and operation, including safety and hazard assessments, process design and analysis, modeling, control engineering, chemical reaction engineering, nuclear engineering, biological engineering, construction specification, and operating instructions. Chemical engineers typically hold a degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering. Practising engineers may have professional certification and be accredited members of a professional body. Such bodies include the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) or the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). A degree in chemical engineering is directly linked with all of the other engineering disciplines, to various extents.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.36%
Design Engineering 1.83%
Chemical Engineering 1.47%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Process Optimization Engineer II's salary.

  • Semiconductors: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Process Development: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Material Science: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Semiconductors $104,268
5%
Process Development $103,275
4%
Material Science $103,275
4%
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Process Optimization Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Process Optimization Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,125. While startup companies pay approximate $94,186.

Process Optimization Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $94,186
Growth Stage 51~500 $99,558
Established 501~5000 $107,326
Enterprise 5000+ $111,125

Process Optimization Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Process Optimization 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 Optimization Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Process Optimization Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Process Optimization Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$148,954$72.050%
Pharmaceuticals$129,094$62.030%
Biotechnology$124,129$60.025%
Energy & Utilities$119,164$57.020%
Aerospace & Defense$109,233$53.010%

How Education impacts a Process Optimization Engineer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Optimization 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 Optimization Engineer II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $87,488 and $91,238).

Process Optimization Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Process Optimization Engineer II
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%
View as Graph

Process Optimization Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Process Optimization 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 October 01, 2026
$92,253
Average $99,303/year
$106,713
$7,688
Average $8,275/month
$8,893
$1,774
Average $1,910/week
$2,052
$44
Average $48/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $106,713 $8,893 $2,052 $51
Average $99,303 $8,275 $1,910 $48
25th Percentile $92,253 $7,688 $1,774 $44

Process Optimization Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Process Optimization Engineer II

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Advancement

For a Process Optimization 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.

Most common benefits for Process Optimization Engineer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Process Optimization Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for Process Optimization Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Process Optimization Engineer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Process Optimization Engineer II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Process Optimization Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Who is the highest paid engineering?

The highest-paid engineering roles often include Petroleum Engineers, who focus on oil and gas extraction, and other specialized fields. For example, a Process Optimization Engineer has a salary range from $84,403 to $97,863, with a mid-salary of $91,443, reflecting the competitive compensation in engineering sectors.

3. What is the salary of a 2nd engineer?

The salary for a Process Optimization Engineer ranges from ₹84,403 to ₹97,863 annually, with a mid-range salary of ₹91,443. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of expertise in process optimization.

4. What does an optimization engineer do?

An optimization engineer is responsible for enhancing existing designs to improve their strength, speed, efficiency, or durability. They analyze processes and implement changes to achieve better performance. The salary for this role typically ranges from $84,403 to $97,863, with a mid-point of $91,443, reflecting the expertise and impact of their work.

5. How much do process optimization jobs pay?

As of now, the salary for a Process Optimization Engineer in the United States ranges from $84,403 to $97,863 annually, with a mid-salary of $91,443. This translates to approximately $40.55 to $46.97 per hour, or about $1,634 to $1,885 per week, and $7,073 to $8,143 per month.

6. What is engineer ii level?

Engineer II is the experienced, intermediate-level class in the professional engineering series. Under direction, within a framework of established policies and procedures, incumbents perform a wide range of the more complex engineering assignments. The salary for this role typically ranges from $84,403 to $97,863, with a midpoint of $91,443.

7. Is engineer 2 higher than engineer 1?

Engineer II is a higher classification than Engineer I. While Engineer I typically handles less complex tasks under supervision, Engineer II takes on more advanced responsibilities. In terms of salary, Engineer I may earn around $84,403, while Engineer II can expect a mid-range salary of approximately $91,443, with a maximum of $97,863.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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