Production Manager Salary in the US
Production Manager Salary Range
$97,600
$125,900
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.
Production Manager salaries in the Packaging industry typically range from $97,600 to $125,900, with a midpoint of $110,000. Compensation varies based on manufacturing leadership experience, production scale, team size, Lean Manufacturing expertise, operational performance, and overall plant responsibility.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$97,600
$125,900
$97,600
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.
$110,000
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.
$125,900
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 Production Manager’s Salary
Production Manager compensation can vary based on production volume, team size, manufacturing complexity, continuous improvement responsibilities, equipment and process knowledge, and the level of operational leadership required. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes multi-department oversight, Lean Manufacturing initiatives, significant production accountability, or responsibility for safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
Production Manager Job Description:
A Production Manager leads day-to-day manufacturing operations within a packaging facility, ensuring production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and delivery commitments are consistently achieved. This role helps companies improve operational efficiency, equipment utilization, workforce performance, and overall plant productivity through strong leadership and process management.
Production Managers work closely with production, maintenance, quality, planning, customer service, and sales teams to coordinate workflow, optimize capacity, and drive continuous improvement. Their responsibilities may include production planning, troubleshooting operational issues, managing labour resources, reducing waste, improving throughput, and ensuring reliable equipment performance. In a manufacturing environment, the role is highly practical and results-driven.
Production Managers are expected to understand how production performance impacts customer satisfaction, profitability, quality, and operational efficiency. Strong candidates typically combine manufacturing leadership experience with technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and sound judgment in fast-paced production environments.
Common Responsibilities:
Leading daily production planning and execution to meet customer commitments and throughput targets.
Providing technical and process leadership, troubleshooting production issues, and coordinating maintenance activities.
Overseeing operational efficiency, waste reduction, and throughput improvement initiatives.
Balancing capacity, labour, and production schedules while partnering with Planning, Customer Service, and Sales teams.
Maintaining quality standards and driving corrective actions for customer complaints and internal nonconformances.
Leading daily production meetings and coordinating rapid problem-solving across departments.
Supporting capital equipment planning, process improvements, and equipment upgrade initiatives.
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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