Project Engineer Salary in the US
Project Engineer Salary Range
$92,355
$118,985
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.
Project Engineer salaries in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing industry typically range from $92,355 to $118,985, with a midpoint of approximately $103,970. Compensation varies based on engineering experience, project management responsibility, capital project size, manufacturing complexity, continuous improvement expertise, and overall technical accountability.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$92,355
$118,985
$92,355
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.
$103,970
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.
$118,985
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 Project Engineer’s Salary
Project Engineer compensation can vary based on manufacturing complexity, plant size, capital project responsibility, engineering expertise, technical specialization, location, and overall project scope. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the position manages large capital investments, major equipment installations, facility expansions, or highly automated manufacturing operations.
Project Engineer Job Description:
A Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects that support manufacturing operations, including capital projects, equipment installations, facility improvements, process optimization, and production line enhancements. This role helps improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, food safety, product quality, and overall plant performance by managing engineering initiatives from concept through implementation.
Project Engineers typically support capital planning, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, facility upgrades, and process improvement projects while working closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Sanitation, Operations, Supply Chain, and external vendors. Their responsibilities may include managing project timelines and budgets, preparing engineering drawings and specifications, coordinating contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance.
Project Engineers are expected to understand how engineering projects impact production efficiency, equipment reliability, food safety, operational costs, and long-term business objectives. Strong candidates typically combine engineering expertise, project management experience, technical problem-solving ability, communication skills, and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects within fast-paced food manufacturing environments.
Common Responsibilities:
Planning, coordinating, and executing capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and engineering initiatives that support manufacturing operations.
Supporting equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, startup, validation, and process optimization while collaborating with Production and Maintenance teams.
Managing project schedules, budgets, engineering specifications, vendor relationships, and contractor activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment reliability, production efficiency, food safety, quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Developing engineering drawings, layouts, technical documentation, equipment specifications, and manufacturing procedures using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
Ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA (where applicable), SQF, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, environmental regulations, and company engineering and safety standards.
Collaborating with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Sanitation, Operations, Supply Chain, and external vendors to support manufacturing performance, capital investments, and long-term operational objectives.
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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