Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Manufacturing System Engineering Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manufacturing System Engineering Director in the United States is $178,619 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.

However, a Manufacturing System Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,064
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $171,782 to $187,227
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $165,557

Key Factors That Influence Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salaries

A Manufacturing System Engineering Director'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.

How Experience Level Affects Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manufacturing System Engineering Director'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:

  • Manufacturing System Engineer IV (7+ years): $112,727
  • Manufacturing System Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $124,018
  • Manufacturing System Engineering Manager (7+ years): $138,933
  • Manufacturing System Engineering Manager, Sr. (7+ years): $153,791
  • Manufacturing System Engineering Director (7+ years): $178,619
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Manufacturing System Engineer IV7+ years$112,727
Manufacturing System Engineering Supervisor7+ years$124,018
Manufacturing System Engineering Manager7+ years$138,933
Manufacturing System Engineering Manager, Sr.7+ years$153,791
Manufacturing System Engineering Director7+ years$178,619

Top Paying Cities for Manufacturing System Engineering Director

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: $225,292
  • San Francisco: $222,825
  • Oakland: $218,130

Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Manufacturing System Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $200,714. While startup companies pay approximate $169,923.

Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $169,923
Growth Stage 51~500 $179,672
Established 501~5000 $193,860
Enterprise 5000+ $200,714

Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manufacturing System Engineering Director 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 Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Manufacturing System Engineering Director positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manufacturing System Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manufacturing System Engineering Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$250,067$120.040%
Internet$232,205$112.030%
Biotechnology$223,274$107.025%
Pharmaceuticals$214,343$103.020%
Energy & Utilities$205,412$99.015%

Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manufacturing System Engineering Director'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, 2026
$171,782
Average $178,619/year
$187,227
$14,315
Average $14,885/month
$15,602
$3,304
Average $3,435/week
$3,601
$83
Average $86/hour
$90
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $187,227 $15,602 $3,601 $90
Average $178,619 $14,885 $3,435 $86
25th Percentile $171,782 $14,315 $3,304 $83

Manufacturing System Engineering Director Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Manufacturing System Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Manufacturing Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $215,693 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Manufacturing System Engineering Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Manufacturing System Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Manufacturing System Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Manufacturing System Engineering Director

1. Where can a Manufacturing System Engineering Director earn the most?

A Manufacturing System Engineering Director'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 System Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Manufacturing System Engineering Director is $225,292.

2. What is the highest pay for Manufacturing System Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Manufacturing System Engineering Director is $195,064.

3. What is the lowest pay for Manufacturing System Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Manufacturing System Engineering Director is $165,557.

4. What are the responsibilities of Manufacturing System Engineering Director?

Directs the design, implementation, and maintenance of software systems that manage and monitor production processes for a manufacturing facility. Collaborates with senior leaders to understand production needs and ensure MES solutions support business objectives. Researches and adapts MES software and automation solutions to improve efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and increase the capabilities, traceability, and visibility of production operations. Develops processes and policies to ensure production automation and control systems meet established safety, quality, and reliability standards. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Manufacturing System Engineering Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Manufacturing System Engineering Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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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