Why We Love It
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$86,990Potential Avg. Salary
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0.9%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
Process engineers are responsible for evaluating an existing processes, designing manufacturing systems to aid in cost reduction and quality control and develop good safety practices within the production processes.
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What is a Process Engineer?
The following job responsibilities are common for Process Engineers:
- Evaluates and improves processes in manufacturing and production systems
- Improves production rates, volume, value and quality
- Maintains safety standards and quality control
- Preforms raw material testing and strength testing
- Develops new operation systems that optimize the production processes
A Day In The Life
Process Engineers are responsible for developing operations to produce various products and also develop certain safety protocols, ensures quality control and makes sure this is done cost effectively. They are also responsible for the research and purchase of equipment, or they will upgrade and modify existing equipment.
Production plants hire these engineers to create, develop, modify and design materials into products. Companies rely on them to make and process materials that will result in the items we depend on like water, food and plastics.
They research and develop viable methods for the production processes. Once a possible method is developed, they will work with other engineers to install the proper machinery in the factory or plant.
Typical Work Schedule
Typically a full-time, 40 hour work week position. Usually spent in an office environment but can also spend a lot of their time on assembly/production lines and in factories.
Projected Job Growth
As companies grow larger to accommodate the needs of the population the need for engineers to develop and design ways to quickly yet safely and cost effectively produce more products for these increasing demands.
Typical Employers
Typical employers for this career are oil and utilities companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, government agencies like the EPA and engineering consulting firms.
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How To Become a Process Engineer
Those in pursuit of this career need a bachelor’s degree in process engineering or a relevant subject like chemical engineering, materials engineering, etc. College classes that they need to take would be mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering and materials processing. The individual must posses additional skills like, analytical skills, technical aptitude and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Process Engineer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$66,680Average
$86,990High Range
$126,920National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$32/hrAverage
$42/hrHigh Range
$61/hrHow do Process Engineer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Process Engineer's can make an average annual salary of $86,990, or $42 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $66,680 or $32 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#109 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Process Engineers
- 2% Doctorate
- 18.4% Masters
- 52.4% Bachelors
- 9.6% Associates
- 11.7% College
- 5.8% High School
- 0.1% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
241,1002024 Est. Jobs
243,200Job Growth Rate
0.9%Est. New Jobs
2,100How does Process Engineer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 2,100 jobs for a total of 243,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 0.9% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#581 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Process Engineers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 20,300 | 800 | 1% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 14,800 | 500 | 1% |
| Motor vehicle parts manufacturing | 14,000 | 800 | 1% |
