Plant Engineer Salary in the US
Plant Engineer Salary Range
$98,500
$145,500
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Plant Engineer salaries in the Packaging industry typically range from $98,500 to $145,500, with a midpoint of $122,000. Compensation varies based on engineering experience, capital project management, process improvement expertise, manufacturing environment, technical leadership, and overall responsibility for equipment reliability and plant performance.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$98,500
$145,500
$98,500
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$122,000
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$145,500
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Plant Engineer Salary
Plant Engineer compensation can vary based on engineering experience, manufacturing complexity, capital project responsibility, technical expertise, and continuous improvement scope. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes large-scale capital projects, equipment upgrades, facility expansions, process optimization, or significant responsibility for plant performance and operational efficiency.
Plant Engineer Job Description:
A Plant Engineer plans, coordinates, and supports engineering activities within a packaging manufacturing facility to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, and overall plant performance. This role helps companies optimize manufacturing processes, execute capital projects, enhance equipment performance, and support continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining a safe and efficient operating environment.
Plant Engineers often work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, operations, and outside vendors. Their work may include managing capital equipment projects, supporting equipment installations and upgrades, improving manufacturing processes, analyzing operational performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and coordinating facility improvements. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly technical while maintaining a strong focus on project execution and operational support.
Plant Engineers are expected to understand how equipment performance impacts productivity, quality, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction. Strong candidates typically combine engineering knowledge with project management experience, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and continuous improvement expertise to improve plant reliability, optimize manufacturing processes, and support long-term operational success.
Common Responsibilities:
Planning and executing capital equipment projects, facility improvements, and manufacturing process enhancements.
Managing equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning activities while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Troubleshooting equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and improve operational performance.
Driving continuous improvement initiatives that increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce waste.
Analyzing plant performance metrics to identify opportunities for process optimization and operational efficiency.
Collaborating with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Plant Leadership to develop and implement improvement plans.
Coordinating with suppliers, contractors, and equipment vendors to support engineering projects and plant initiatives.
Supporting preventive maintenance and equipment reliability programs to maximize asset performance.
Promoting a safe working environment by supporting safety programs, risk assessments, and engineering best practices.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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