Process Engineer Salary in the US
Process Engineer Salary Range
$89,900
$116,500
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.
Process Engineer salaries in the Packaging Manufacturing industry typically range from $89,900 to $116,500, with a midpoint of $100,600. Compensation varies based on process engineering experience, manufacturing environment, capital project management, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma expertise, new product development, process optimization, and overall responsibility for plant performance.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$89,900
$116,500
$89,900
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.
$100,600
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.
$116,500
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 Process Engineer’s Salary
Process Engineer compensation can vary based on manufacturing experience, process optimization expertise, capital project responsibility, technical knowledge, and continuous improvement scope. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes new product development, process validation, Lean Manufacturing initiatives, Six Sigma expertise, equipment optimization, or significant responsibility for improving manufacturing performance and operational efficiency.
Process Engineer Job Description:
A Process Engineer designs, evaluates, and improves manufacturing processes within a packaging production environment. This role helps companies enhance production efficiency, equipment performance, product quality, safety, and overall plant productivity by applying engineering principles, data analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies to manufacturing operations.
Process Engineers often work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, safety, research and development, and supply chain teams. Their work may include optimizing manufacturing processes, supporting new product introductions, evaluating equipment capabilities, analyzing production data, managing capital improvement projects, conducting process trials, and implementing solutions that improve operational performance. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly analytical while maintaining strong involvement in day-to-day plant operations.
Process Engineers are expected to understand how manufacturing processes impact productivity, quality, cost, safety, and customer satisfaction. Strong candidates typically combine engineering expertise with analytical thinking, project management skills, problem-solving ability, communication, and continuous improvement knowledge to improve manufacturing performance, reduce waste, optimize processes, and support long-term operational success.
Common Responsibilities:
Designing, evaluating, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
Monitoring production performance, equipment reliability, and process capability while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Supporting new product development, manufacturing trials, process validation, and product commercialization activities.
Analyzing production data, raw materials, and equipment performance to identify opportunities for process optimization.
Evaluating manufacturing equipment and recommending process improvements to enhance throughput and product quality.
Planning and supporting capital projects, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing process improvements from concept through implementation.
Managing project schedules, budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure successful project execution.
Collaborating with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Safety, Supply Chain, and R&D teams to improve plant performance.
Ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, quality requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
Driving Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment reliability, reduce waste, and improve overall manufacturing performance.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across packaging, industrial automation, manufacturing, 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.
Latest Hiring Trends
Book a 15-Minute Consultation
Have a quick 15-minute call to learn how TQR works and how we help companies hire and professionals advance, and we’ll begin working on your search the same day.
