Manufacturing Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Production, process optimization, and industry pay comparison
Average Manufacturing Engineer Salary
How Much Do Manufacturing Engineers Earn in 2025?
Manufacturing engineers design and optimize production processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. They work with production equipment, automation systems, assembly lines, and continuous improvement methodologies across diverse industries.
2025 manufacturing engineer salaries reflect strong manufacturing sector demand: average $70,000–$95,000, with entry-level starting at $55,000–$70,000 and senior engineers earning $95,000–$130,000. Industry matters significantly—semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing pay 20–40% premiums.
Process engineers and production engineers often have overlapping responsibilities with similar pay scales. Lean Six Sigma certification adds $10,000–$20,000 to earning potential. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Manufacturing Engineer Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| National Average Range | $70,000–$95,000 |
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $55,000–$70,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Senior (7+ yrs) | $90,000–$120,000 |
| Lead/Principal | $110,000–$145,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $33–$55/hour |
Use our salary calculator to convert rates.
Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Industry
| Industry | Salary Range | Premium vs Average |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor | $90K–$130K | +25–40% |
| Aerospace/Defense | $85K–$120K | +20–30% |
| Medical Devices | $80K–$115K | +15–25% |
| Automotive | $75K–$105K | +10–15% |
| Consumer Electronics | $75K–$100K | +5–10% |
| General Manufacturing | $65K–$85K | Baseline |
Semiconductor Manufacturing (Highest Pay)
Salary: $90,000–$130,000 (+25–40% premium)
Intel, TSMC, Samsung, GlobalFoundries. Precision manufacturing, cleanroom expertise valued.
Aerospace & Defense
Salary: $85,000–$120,000 (+20–30% premium)
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman. Security clearance adds $5K–$15K.
Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | $55K–$70K | Process support, documentation |
| Mid-level (3–5 yrs) | $70K–$90K | Process ownership |
| Senior (5–10 yrs) | $85K–$115K | Lead projects, automation |
| Lead/Principal (10+ yrs) | $105K–$140K | Technical leadership |
Manufacturing Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $90K–$130K | Semiconductor, tech |
| Phoenix, AZ | $80K–$115K | Semiconductor (growing) |
| Detroit, MI | $75K–$105K | Automotive |
| Seattle, WA | $80K–$110K | Aerospace |
| National Average | $70K–$95K | Mixed industries |
How to Increase Your Manufacturing Engineer Salary
Target High-Paying Industries
Semiconductor pays $90K–$130K versus general manufacturing $65K–$85K (+40–55%).
Earn Lean Six Sigma Certification
Black Belt adds $15K–$25K, Green Belt adds $8K–$15K.
Develop Automation Skills
Robotics and PLC programming commands $80K–$115K.
Progress to Technical Leadership
Lead engineers earn $105K–$140K versus senior $85K–$115K.
See our salary negotiation guide.
Career Path and Related Roles
Related Roles
Mechanical Engineer: $75,000–$110,000
Quality Engineer: $70,000–$100,000
Industrial Engineer: $70,000–$100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average manufacturing engineer salary in 2025?
Manufacturing engineers earn $70,000–$95,000 on average. Entry-level earns $55,000–$70,000, senior $90,000–$120,000, and lead/principal $110,000–$145,000.
Can manufacturing engineers make $100K?
Yes. Senior engineers commonly earn $90K–$120K. Semiconductor industry pays $90K–$130K. Aerospace pays $85K–$120K. See jobs that pay $100K.
What industry pays manufacturing engineers the most?
Semiconductor manufacturing pays highest ($90K–$130K), followed by aerospace/defense ($85K–$120K) and medical devices ($80K–$115K).
Is Lean Six Sigma worth it?
Yes. Green Belt adds $8K–$15K, Black Belt adds $15K–$25K. Widely recognized certification that demonstrates process improvement expertise.