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Production Technician I Salary in the United States

How much does a Production Technician I make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Technician I in the United States is $42,789 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Production Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $51,258
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,946 to $47,222
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,358
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View as table View as graph 25% $39,946 10% $37,358 90% $51,258 75% $47,222 $42,789 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Production Technician I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $47,222 $3,935 $908 $23
Average $42,789 $3,566 $823 $21
25th Percentile $39,946 $3,329 $768 $19
Check out Production Technician I Job Openings in the United States
Production Technician

Cargill - Wooster, OH

Production Technician

Cargill - Lewisburg, OH

Production Technician

Smithfield Foods - Cincinnati, OH

Production Technician

Mars - Leipsic, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Production Technician I Salaries

A Production 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.

How Experience Level Affects Production Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Production 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:

  • Production Technician I (0-1 years): $42,789
  • Production Technician II (1-3 years): $54,706
  • Production Technician III (3-5 years): $61,084
  • Production Technician IV (5-7 years): $67,449
  • Production Team Leader (7+ years): $64,839
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Production Technician I0-1 years$42,789
Production Technician II1-3 years$54,706
Production Technician III3-5 years$61,084
Production Technician IV5-7 years$67,449
Production Team Leader7+ years$64,839
$42,789 Productio...
$54,706 Productio...
$61,084 Productio...
$67,449 Productio...
$64,839 Productio...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Production Technician I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $47,376.
  • California: $47,196.
  • Massachusetts: $46,567.

Top Paying Cities for Production Technician Is

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: $53,970
  • San Francisco: $53,379
  • Oakland: $52,254

Production Technician I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Production Technician I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,974. While startup companies pay approximate $40,583.

Production Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$40,583
Growth Stage51~500$42,920
Established501~5000$46,331
Enterprise5000+$47,974

Production Technician I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Production Technician I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 44% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Production Technician positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Production Technician I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Production Technician I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$52,203$25.022%
Internet$50,063$24.017%
Aerospace & Defense$47,924$23.012%
Energy & Utilities$47,068$23.010%
Financial Services$47,068$23.010%

Production Technician I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Production 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.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Production Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Production 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.

Production Technician I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Processing Equipment Operations Supervisor $73,091 71%
Production Technician II $54,706 28%

Salary Trends for Production Technician I

Salaries for a Production Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,374 in 2023 to around $39,465 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Production Technician I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Production Technician I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$41,374
2024
$40,187
2025
$39,465
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
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2023 $41,374
2024 $40,187
2025 $39,465
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Production Technician I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Production Technician I

Here are companies hiring for Production Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Production Technician I

1. Where can a Production Technician I earn the most?

A Production Technician 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 Production Technician I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Production Technician I is $53,970.

2. What is the highest pay for Production Technician I?

The highest pay for Production Technician I is $51,258.

3. What is the lowest pay for Production Technician I?

The lowest pay for Production Technician I is $37,358.

4. What are the responsibilities of Production Technician I?

Sets up and operates production equipment to manufacture, process, and assemble various commercial products and substances. Uses product specifications, blueprints, diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOP) to produce products. Monitors output for quality and conformance to required metrics. Prepares and maintains required records of production activities and reports any inconsistencies or equipment issues. Follows established guidelines for safe material handling and protective gear. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Production Technician I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Production Technician I roles, with salaries approximately 22% 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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