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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Process Engineer in Kentucky is $96,094 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Process Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Process Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $103,325 | $8,610 | $1,987 | $50 |
| Average | $96,094 | $8,008 | $1,848 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,387 | $7,449 | $1,719 | $43 |
Oar Staffing - Louisville, KY
Darling Ingredients Inc. - Newport, KY
LINKAN ENGINEERING LTD - Nicholasville, KY
Arvato - Shepherdsville, KY
A Process Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Process Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Process E... Level Process Engineer | $83,383 |
| Process E... Level Process Engineer | $95,563 |
| Process E... Level Process Engineer | $106,074 |
| Process E... Level Process Engineer | $129,658 |
| Process E... Level Process Engineer | $113,115 |
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 Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Process Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Process Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Process Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $144,141 | $69.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $124,922 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $120,117 | $58.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $115,313 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $105,703 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Process Engineer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $103,325 | $8,610 | $1,987 | $50 |
| Average | $96,094 | $8,008 | $1,848 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,387 | $7,449 | $1,719 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Process Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Hawkins HR Consulting, LLC
Calvert City, KY
Hawkins HR Consulting, LLC | Calvert City, KY
We are seeking a. Lead Process Improvement Engineer. to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives within our client's chemical ma... more
6 Days Ago
NHK Spring Precision
Louisville, KY
NHK Spring Precision | Louisville, KY
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. We are seeking a proactive and innovative Process Improvement Engineer to join our team. In this role, yo... more
6 Days Ago
Drax
CHASE, LA
Drax | CHASE, LA
Drax is seeking a Process Control Engineer to join our Engineering & Design team within the Energy & Utilities sector. You will design, implement, and opti... more
5 Days Ago
Drax
QUITMAN, LA
Drax | QUITMAN, LA
Drax is seeking a Process Control Engineer to join our Engineering & Design team within the Energy & Utilities sector. You will design, implement, and opti... more
5 Days Ago
Drax
WILLOW GLEN, LA
Drax | WILLOW GLEN, LA
Drax is seeking a Process Control Engineer to join our Engineering & Design team within the Energy & Utilities sector. You will design, implement, and opti... more
5 Days Ago
Drax
HARRISONBURG, LA
Drax | HARRISONBURG, LA
Drax is seeking a Process Control Engineer to join our Engineering & Design team within the Energy & Utilities sector. You will design, implement, and opti... more
5 Days Ago
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