Process Technician Salary in the US
Process Technician Salary Range
$64,375
$81,500
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 Technician salaries in the Packaging Manufacturing industry typically range from $64,375 to $81,500, with a midpoint of $72,350. Compensation varies based on manufacturing experience, process optimization expertise, equipment setup and troubleshooting skills, Lean Manufacturing knowledge, production environment, and overall responsibility for manufacturing performance
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$64,375
$81,500
$64,375
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.
$72,350
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.
$81,500
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 Technician Engineer’s Salary
Process Technician compensation can vary based on manufacturing experience, process optimization expertise, equipment knowledge, technical skills, shift responsibility, and continuous improvement involvement. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes advanced process controls, equipment troubleshooting, Lean Manufacturing initiatives, quality improvement projects, or significant responsibility for equipment performance and production efficiency.
Process Technician Job Description:
A Process Technician monitors, maintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes manufacturing processes and production equipment within a packaging manufacturing environment. This role helps companies improve production efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, safety, and overall plant performance by supporting daily operations and implementing process improvements that enhance manufacturing performance.
Process Technicians often work with production equipment, process controls, manufacturing systems, quality inspection tools, and maintenance teams. Their work may include setting up and adjusting production equipment, monitoring process parameters, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, supporting equipment startups and changeovers, maintaining production records, and collaborating with production, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly hands-on while maintaining a strong focus on process consistency and continuous improvement.
Process Technicians are expected to understand how process performance impacts productivity, quality, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction. Strong candidates typically combine manufacturing experience with technical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, analytical thinking, communication abilities, and continuous improvement knowledge to optimize production processes, reduce waste, improve equipment performance, and support operational excellence.
Common Responsibilities:
Monitoring and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
Setting up, operating, adjusting, and troubleshooting production equipment to maximize performance and minimize downtime.
Supporting equipment startups, product changeovers, process validations, and production activities.
Analyzing process performance and implementing improvements to increase productivity, reduce scrap, and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Conducting root cause analysis and supporting corrective actions to resolve process and equipment issues.
Performing routine equipment inspections and supporting preventive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability.
Maintaining accurate production records, process documentation, SOPs, and operating parameters.
Ensuring compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, GMP requirements (where applicable), and environmental regulations.
Following safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Collaborating with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and EH&S teams to improve 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.
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