As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Engineer III in the United States is $103,174 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Manufacturing Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Manufacturing Engineer III'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 Manufacturing Engineer III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,061 |
| Manufacturing Engineer II | 2-4 years | $89,633 |
| Manufacturing Engineer III | 4-7 years | $103,174 |
| Manufacturing Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,849 |
| Manufacturing Engineer V | 7-10 years | $144,606 |
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 Manufacturing Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Standard Operating Procedures | 4.16% |
| Food Safety | 3.11% |
| Lean | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
ISO
|
$108,333 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$107,301 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$107,301 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$107,301 |
4%
|
|
Manufacturing Equipment
|
$107,301 |
4%
|
|
Manufacturing Processes
|
$107,301 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Manufacturing Engineer IIIs 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 Manufacturing Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $107,927 and $112,983).
Manufacturing Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 3.7% |
| Associates | 5.1% |
| Bachelors | 58.3% |
| Masters | 31.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Manufacturing Engineer III'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Manufacturing Engineer III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biopharma Manufacturing Engineer IV | $132,700 | 29% |
| Manufacturing System Engineer IV | $112,754 | 9% |
| Manufacturing Engineer IV | $125,849 | 22% |
| Production Engineer IV | $125,849 | 22% |
Salaries for a Manufacturing Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,541 in 2023 to around $100,696 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Manufacturing Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,541 |
| 2024 | $101,921 |
| 2025 | $100,696 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Manufacturing Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Manufacturing Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Manufacturing Engineer III is $130,133.
The highest pay for Manufacturing Engineer III is $120,895.
The lowest pay for Manufacturing Engineer III is $85,776.
Plans and designs manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, and machining processes for a production facility. Evaluates assembly, fabrication, and machining processes to identify waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies. Utilizes knowledge of product design, equipment capabilities, assembly methods, and quality standards to develop and improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and capabilities. Maintains facility machinery and tools to ensure optimal functionality, effectiveness, and reliability. Analyzes product specifications to determine the parts, equipment, tools, and processes needed to achieve manufacturing objectives. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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