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Hourly Wage for Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Process Optimization Engineer IV?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Process Optimization Engineer IV in the United States is $65, which translates to an annual salary of about $134,703.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59 to $69 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $59 10% $54 90% $73 75% $69 $65 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Process Optimization Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $143,653 $11,971 $2,763 $69
Average $134,703 $11,225 $2,590 $65
25th Percentile $122,973 $10,248 $2,365 $59
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Key Factors That Influence Process Optimization Engineer IV Salaries

A Process Optimization Engineer IV'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 IV'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:

  • Intermediate Process Engineer (2-4 years): $99,271
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,190
  • Process Optimization Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,690
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $117,505
  • Process Development Engineering Manager (7+ years): $142,704
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Process Engineer2-4 years$99,271
Manufacturing Process Engineer III4-7 years$110,190
Process Optimization Engineer IV7+ years$134,690
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor7+ years$117,505
Process Development Engineering Manager7+ years$142,704
$99,271 Intermedi...
$110,190 Manufactu...
$134,690 Process O...
$117,505 Manufactu...
$142,704 Process D...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Process Optimization Engineer IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $149,143.
  • California: $148,583.
  • Massachusetts: $146,603.

Top Paying Cities for Process Optimization Engineer IVs

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: $169,903
  • San Francisco: $168,043
  • Oakland: $164,503

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.4% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 1.85% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • Packaging (Mentioned in 1.52% Job Postings): Preparing products through wrapping or bottling to protect the goods from damages during transportation and storage.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.4%
Microsoft Office 1.85%
Packaging 1.52%
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 IV's salary.
  • Product Development: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Semiconductors: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Process Development: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Product Development
$145,479
8%
Semiconductors
$144,132
7%
Process Development
$144,132
7%
Presentation
$141,438
5%
Manufacturing Engineering
$140,091
4%
Leadership
$140,091
4%
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Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Process Optimization Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $151,178. While startup companies pay approximate $128,017.

Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$128,017
Growth Stage51~500$135,350
Established501~5000$146,024
Enterprise5000+$151,178

Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Process Optimization Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 84% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 49% above the average. In contrast, Process Optimization Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Process Optimization Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Process Optimization Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$200,707$96.049%
Biotechnology$181,849$87.035%
Healthcare$169,726$82.026%
Energy & Utilities$162,991$78.021%
Software & Networking$156,255$75.016%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Optimization Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $127,762 and $133,500).

Process Optimization Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Process Optimization Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.7%
High School 2.7%
Associates 1.1%
Bachelors 41.8%
Masters 37.5%
Doctorate 16.8%
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Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Process Optimization Engineer IV'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, 2026

Salary Trends for Process Optimization Engineer IV

Salaries for a Process Optimization Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,910 in 2023 to around $120,848 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Process Optimization Engineer IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Process Optimization Engineer IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$121,910
2024
$121,553
2025
$120,848
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $121,910
2024 $121,553
2025 $120,848
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Process Optimization Engineer IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Process Optimization Engineer IV

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

Find Your Next Process Optimization Engineer IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Process Optimization Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

    CDL

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    13 Days Ago

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    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Process Optimization Engineer IV

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Process Optimization Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 49% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of a 4th engineer?

The salary of a Process Optimization Engineer typically ranges from $123,123 to $144,323, with a mid-salary of $133,563. This role involves optimizing processes and improving efficiency in various engineering applications.

3. What is the rank of 4th engineer?

The 4th Engineer, also known as the 3rd Assistant Engineer, is responsible for maintaining equipment like pumps and compressors, and assists the Chief Engineer during critical operations. The salary for a Process Optimization Engineer ranges from $123,123 to $144,323, with a mid-salary of $133,563, reflecting the importance of their role in optimizing processes.

4. Is Process Engineer a good career?

Working as a Process Optimization Engineer offers diverse benefits, including competitive salaries ranging from $123,123 to $144,323, with a mid-salary of $133,563. The role provides strong job stability due to demand across various industries. Engineers engage in problem-solving and innovation daily, offering intellectual challenges and growth opportunities.

5. What is the salary of a Tier 4 engineer?

The salary for a Process Optimization Engineer ranges from a minimum of $123,123 to a maximum of $144,323, with a mid-level salary of $133,563. This reflects the competitive compensation for engineers in this field, highlighting the value of their expertise and contributions to process efficiency.

6. How much do process optimization jobs pay?

As of now, the salary for a Process Optimization Engineer ranges from a minimum of $123,123 to a maximum of $144,323 annually, with a mid-salary of $133,563. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for expertise in process optimization within various industries.

7. What is the salary of a director of process optimization?

As of January 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Process Optimization Engineer in the United States ranges from $123,123 to $144,323. The midpoint salary is approximately $133,563, reflecting the typical earnings for professionals in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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