As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I in Kentucky is $46,838 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Manufacturing Engineering Technician I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,706 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
| Average | $46,838 | $3,903 | $901 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,161 | $3,597 | $830 | $21 |
Wellington Regional Medical Center - Louisville, KY
Jennie Stuart Health - Hopkinsville, KY
Wiverse - Lexington, KY
ABB OPTICAL Group - Erlanger, KY
A Manufacturing Engineering Technician I'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 Manufacturing Engineering Technician I'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 Engineering Technician I | 0-1 years | $46,838 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technician II | 1-3 years | $57,517 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technician III | 3-5 years | $64,845 |
| Manufacturing Engineer Supervisor | 5+ years | $92,629 |
| Manufacturing Engineer Senior Supervisor | 5+ years | $117,885 |
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 Engineering Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Manufacturing Engineering Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,576. While startup companies pay approximate $44,498.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $44,498 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,052 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $50,782 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $52,576 |
For Manufacturing Engineering Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 123% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Engineering Technician positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Engineering Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $65,574 | $32.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,890 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $58,548 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $55,269 | $27.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $52,459 | $25.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $50,706 | $4,225 | $975 | $24 |
| Average | $46,838 | $3,903 | $901 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,161 | $3,597 | $830 | $21 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I, 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 Engineering Manager | $120,634 | 158% |
| Manufacturing System Engineering Supervisor | $116,699 | 149% |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technician II | $57,517 | 23% |
| Production Engineering Supervisor | $106,715 | 128% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manufacturing Engineering Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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