As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Process Engineer VI in South Dakota is $156,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Production Process Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production Process Engineer VI'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Production Process Engineer VI'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist/Lead Manufacturing Engineer | 7+ years | $114,382 |
| Principal/Expert Manufacturing Engineer | 7-10 years | $131,408 |
| Production Process Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $156,193 |
| Production Process Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $89,454 |
| Production Process Engineering Supervisor, Sr. | 12+ years | $113,859 |
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 Production Process Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Production Process Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $175,522. While startup companies pay approximate $148,595.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $148,595 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $157,121 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $169,528 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $175,522 |
For Production Process Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Production Process Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Process Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $187,440 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $179,630 | $86.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $171,820 | $83.0 | 10% |
| Transportation | $171,820 | $83.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $164,010 | $79.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Production Process Engineer VI'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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production Process Engineer VI, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Biologics Manufacturing Engineering Manager | $116,500 | -25% |
| Manufacturing Execution System Supervisor | $112,800 | -28% |
| Production Process Engineering Supervisor | $89,500 | -43% |
| Supervisor - Production Engineering | $103,100 | -34% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Production Process Engineer VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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