As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I in Montana is $73,657 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 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 Equipment Engineer 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 Equipment Engineer I | 0-2 years | $73,657 |
| Manufacturing Equipment Engineer II | 2-4 years | $87,549 |
| Manufacturing Equipment Engineer III | 4-7 years | $103,184 |
| Manufacturing Equipment Engineer IV | 7+ years | $120,021 |
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 Equipment Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,678. While startup companies pay approximate $70,023.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,023 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,031 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,869 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,678 |
For Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing Equipment Engineer positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $103,120 | $50.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,388 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $84,705 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $81,022 | $39.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $77,340 | $37.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Manufacturing Equipment Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $87,549 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manufacturing Equipment Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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