As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Engineer I in the United States is $86,586 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Process Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Process 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Process 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Engineer I | 0-2 years | $86,586 |
| Process Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,243 |
| Process Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,175 |
| Process Engineer IV | 7+ years | $134,651 |
| Process Engineering Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,519 |
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 Process Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.14% |
| Design Engineering | 1.88% |
| PowerPoint | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Semiconductors
|
$95,245 |
10%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$93,513 |
8%
|
|
Six Sigma
|
$93,513 |
8%
|
|
Lean
|
$92,647 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,647 |
7%
|
|
Process Development
|
$92,647 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Engineer Is 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 Process Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,272 and $78,139).
Process Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 62.6% |
| Masters | 27.0% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a Process 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 March 01, 2026For a Process Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Process Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $99,243 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Process Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Process Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Process Engineer I'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 Process Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Process Engineer I is $109,211.
The highest pay for Process Engineer I is $100,643.
The lowest pay for Process Engineer I is $73,585.
Develops and optimizes continuous production and manufacturing processes to achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization. Collects production data and applies standard scientific and statistical methods to analyze, document, and diagram production processes. Identifies process bottlenecks and devises solutions to resolve. Recommends changes or upgrades to equipment, work methods, or other aspects of the process to improve efficiency and utilization of resources including labor, energy and raw materials. Requires a bachelor's degree of engineering. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 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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