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Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Optimization Engineer IV in the United States is $134,683 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $151,782
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $122,873 to $143,633
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,121
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View as table View as graph 25% $122,873 10% $112,121 90% $151,782 75% $143,633 $134,683 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 $143,633 $11,969 $2,762 $69
Average $134,683 $11,224 $2,590 $65
25th Percentile $122,873 $10,239 $2,363 $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): $99,254
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,181
  • Process Optimization Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,666
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $117,514
  • Process Development Engineering Manager (7+ years): $142,690
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Process Engineer2-4 years$99,254
Manufacturing Process Engineer III4-7 years$110,181
Process Optimization Engineer IV7+ years$134,666
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor7+ years$117,514
Process Development Engineering Manager7+ years$142,690
$99,254 Intermedi...
$110,181 Manufactu...
$134,666 Process O...
$117,514 Manufactu...
$142,690 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: $149,123.
  • California: $148,553.
  • Massachusetts: $146,573.

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: $169,873
  • San Francisco: $168,013
  • Oakland: $164,473

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
 $145,458
8%
Semiconductors
 $144,111
7%
Process Development
 $144,111
7%
Presentation
 $141,417
5%
Manufacturing Engineering
 $140,070
4%
Leadership
 $140,070
4%
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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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$122,873
Average $134,683/year
$143,633
$10,239
Average $11,224/month
$11,969
$2,363
Average $2,590/week
$2,762
$59
Average $65/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $143,633 $11,969 $2,762 $69
Average $134,683 $11,224 $2,590 $65
25th Percentile $122,873 $10,239 $2,363 $59

Process Optimization Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Process Optimization Engineer IV
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor
Process Development Engineering Manager

For a Process Optimization Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $117,600 - a projected growth of -13% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Process Optimization Engineer IV

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.

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FAQ about Process Optimization Engineer IV

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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