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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 August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Production Technician I in the United States is $42,790 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): $51,263
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,947 to $47,225
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,359
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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 I 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): $42,790
  • Production Technician II (1-3 years): $54,718
  • Production Technician III (3-5 years): $61,100
  • Production Technician IV (5-7 years): $67,457
  • Production Team Leader (7+ years): $64,845
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Production Technician I0-1 years$42,790
Production Technician II1-3 years$54,718
Production Technician III3-5 years$61,100
Production Technician IV5-7 years$67,457
Production Team Leader7+ years$64,845
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How Do Production Technician Is 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: $47,377.
  • California: $47,197.
  • Massachusetts: $46,568.

Top Paying Cities for Production Technician I

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: $53,971
  • San Francisco: $53,380
  • Oakland: $52,255

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 $48,012. While startup companies pay approximate $40,629.

Production Technician I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,629
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,967
Established 501~5000 $46,367
Enterprise 5000+ $48,012

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$52,204$25.022%
Internet$50,064$24.017%
Aerospace & Defense$47,925$23.012%
Energy & Utilities$47,069$23.010%
Financial Services$47,069$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 August 01, 2026
$39,947
Average $42,790/year
$47,225
$3,329
Average $3,566/month
$3,935
$768
Average $823/week
$908
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,225 $3,935 $908 $23
Average $42,790 $3,566 $823 $21
25th Percentile $39,947 $3,329 $768 $19

Production Technician I Salary Growth & Career Path

Production Technician I

Next Role

Advancement

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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Processing Equipment Operations Supervisor $73,090 71%
Production Technician II $54,718 28%

Most common benefits for Production Technician I

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

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 $53,971.

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

The highest pay for Production Technician I is $51,263.

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

The lowest pay for Production Technician I is $37,359.

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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