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Hourly Wage for Process Optimization Engineer III Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Process Optimization Engineer III?

As of May 18, 2021, the average hourly rate for a Process Optimization Engineer III in the United States is $53, which translates to an annual salary of about $110,190.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48 to $57 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $48 10% $44 90% $61 75% $57 $53 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Process Optimization Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $118,690 $9,891 $2,283 $57
Average $110,190 $9,183 $2,119 $53
25th Percentile $100,390 $8,366 $1,931 $48
Check out Process Optimization Engineer III Job Openings in the United States
Systems Engineer III

CNA - ARLINGTON, VA

Equipment Design Sr Engineer

American Honda Motor Co. - MARYSVILLE, OH

Equipment Design Sr Engineer

American Honda Motor Co. - MARYSVILLE, OH

Software Engineer III

JPMorganChase - JERSEY CITY, NJ

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Key Factors That Influence Process Optimization Engineer III Salaries

A Process Optimization 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.

How Experience Level Affects Process Optimization Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Process Optimization 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:

  • Entry Process Engineer (0-2 years): $86,562
  • Intermediate Process Engineer (2-4 years): $99,223
  • Process Optimization Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,164
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,623
  • Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor (7+ years): $117,530
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Process Engineer0-2 years$86,562
Intermediate Process Engineer2-4 years$99,223
Process Optimization Engineer III4-7 years$110,164
Manufacturing Process Engineer IV7+ years$134,623
Manufacturing Process Engineering Supervisor7+ years$117,530
$86,562 Entry Pro...
$99,223 Intermedi...
$110,164 Process O...
$134,623 Manufactu...
$117,530 Manufactu...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Process Optimization Engineer III 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 Process Optimization Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $121,990.
  • California: $121,590.
  • Massachusetts: $119,890.

Top Paying Cities for Process Optimization Engineer IIIs

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: $138,990
  • San Francisco: $137,590
  • Oakland: $134,590

What Skills Can Increase a Process Optimization Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.34% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Chemical Engineering (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to efficiently use, produce, design, transport and transform energy and materials. The work of chemical engineers can range from the utilisation of nano-technology and nano-materials in the laboratory to large-scale industrial processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms, and energy into useful forms and products. Chemical engineers are involved in many aspects of plant design and operation, including safety and hazard assessments, process design and analysis, modeling, control engineering, chemical reaction engineering, nuclear engineering, biological engineering, construction specification, and operating instructions. Chemical engineers typically hold a degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering. Practising engineers may have professional certification and be accredited members of a professional body. Such bodies include the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) or the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). A degree in chemical engineering is directly linked with all of the other engineering disciplines, to various extents.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.51% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.34%
Chemical Engineering 1.76%
Installation 1.51%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Process Optimization Engineer III's salary.
  • Semiconductors: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Material Science: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Process Development: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Semiconductors
$114,598
4%
Material Science
$113,496
3%
Process Development
$113,496
3%
Chemistry
$113,496
3%
Collaboration
$112,394
2%
Presentation
$112,394
2%
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How Education impacts a Process Optimization Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Optimization 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 Process Optimization Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,144 and $110,854).

Process Optimization Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Process Optimization Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 1.8%
Associates 1.2%
Bachelors 44.2%
Masters 33.9%
Doctorate 18.9%
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Process Optimization Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Process Optimization 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 18, 2021

Salary Trends for Process Optimization Engineer III

Salaries for a Process Optimization Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $105,171 in 2023 to around $100,709 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Process Optimization Engineer III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Process Optimization Engineer III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$105,171
2024
$102,306
2025
$100,709
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $105,171
2024 $102,306
2025 $100,709
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Process Optimization Engineer III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Process Optimization Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Process Optimization Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Process Optimization Engineer III

1. Is process engineer a good career?

Working as a process optimization engineer offers diverse benefits, including competitive salaries ranging from $102,190 to $118,990, and strong job stability due to demand across various industries. Engineers engage in problem-solving and innovation daily, providing intellectual challenges and growth opportunities.

2. How much do process optimization jobs pay?

As of now, the salary for a Process Optimization Engineer ranges from $102,190 to $118,990 annually, with a mid-salary of $111,090. This translates to approximately $49.14 to $57.19 per hour, or $8,516 to $9,916 monthly. The role offers competitive compensation reflecting the importance of process optimization in various industries.

3. What is the salary of manufacturing process engineer III?

The estimated total pay for a Manufacturing Process Engineer III is between $102,190 and $118,990 per year, with a mid-salary of $111,090. These figures reflect the salary range based on current data for Process Optimization Engineers, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in this role.

4. Is engineer III senior?

The Process Optimization Engineer role is considered a senior-level position, typically requiring advanced skills in engineering principles. With a salary range from $102,190 to $118,990, this role emphasizes innovation in developing new products or enhancing existing ones, showcasing creativity and extensive experience in the field.

5. Where do process operators make the most money?

Process Optimization Engineers in the United States can expect salaries ranging from $102,190 to $118,990, with a median salary of $111,090. While specific city data for this role isn't provided, it's important to consider that larger metropolitan areas typically offer higher salaries due to demand and cost of living.

6. Can an engineer make 300k?

While some engineers can earn high salaries, the typical range for a Process Optimization Engineer is between $102,190 and $118,990. Achieving a salary of $300,000 is uncommon in this field, as it generally falls outside the standard compensation range for this role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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