As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Engineer III in the United States is $100,017 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Production Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Production 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 Production 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Production Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,061 |
| Production Engineer II | 2-4 years | $89,633 |
| Production Engineer III | 4-7 years | $100,017 |
| Production Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,849 |
| Production 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 Production Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 7.01% |
| Metal Fabrication | 2.12% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science
|
$108,018 |
8%
|
|
Networking
|
$108,018 |
8%
|
|
Salesforce
|
$106,018 |
6%
|
|
Splunk
|
$104,018 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$103,018 |
3%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$102,017 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Production 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 Production Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $105,438 and $111,874).
Production Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.8% |
| High School | 5.8% |
| Associates | 7.2% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 26.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.3% |
Understanding how a Production 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 Production 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 | 33% |
| Manufacturing System Engineer IV | $112,754 | 13% |
| Manufacturing Engineer IV | $125,849 | 26% |
| Production Engineer IV | $125,849 | 26% |
Salaries for a Production 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 Production 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 Production 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 Production Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Production Engineer III is $126,151.
The highest pay for Production Engineer III is $117,196.
The lowest pay for Production Engineer III is $83,152.
Plans and designs methods to improve production processes. Reviews existing processes and develops solutions to increase productivity or reduce costs. Ensures compliance with approved production methods and quality standards. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
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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