As of May 18, 2021, the average hourly rate for a Process Engineer I in the United States is $42, which translates to an annual salary of about $86,562.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Process Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Process Engineer 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Process Engineer I | 0-2 years | $86,562 |
| Process Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,223 |
| Process Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,164 |
| Process Engineer IV | 7+ years | $134,623 |
| Process Engineering Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,530 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.14% |
| Design Engineering | 1.88% |
| PowerPoint | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$93,487 |
8%
|
|
Project Management
|
$92,621 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$92,621 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$91,756 |
6%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$91,756 |
6%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$91,756 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Process Engineer Is 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 Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,272 and $78,139).
Process Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 62.6% |
| Masters | 27.0% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a Process Engineer 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 May 18, 2021Salaries for a Process Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $69,859 in 2023 to around $70,282 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Process Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $69,859 |
| 2024 | $70,439 |
| 2025 | $70,282 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Process Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Develops and optimizes continuous production and manufacturing processes to achieve the output, quality, and cost goals of the organization. Collects production data and applies standard scientific and statistical methods to analyze, document, and diagram production processes. Identifies process bottlenecks and devises solutions to resolve. Recommends changes or upgrades to equipment, work methods, or other aspects of the process to improve efficiency and utilization of resources including labor, energy and raw materials. Requires a bachelor's degree of engineering. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Design Engineering: Creating a system, component, or process to develop new products and systems.
PowerPoint: A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
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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