Plant Engineering Compensation Survey

Richard L. Dunn, Editor, Plant Engineering -- Plant Engineering, 1/1/2003

Economic conditions of the past year or so appear to be reflected in the compensation levels of plant engineers. In fact, compared to last year's survey, salaries and total compensation have actually decreased slightly.

Those decreases can't be blamed solely on the industrial economy. There are some differences between the 2001 and 2002 surveys. But it is clear that average and median compensation levels have not progressed.

The 2002 survey, conducted by Abbott, Langer & Associates and sponsored by PLANT ENGINEERING magazine with the AFE Foundation, was conducted in October and November last year. A total of 2172 plant engineers submitted data on themselves and their incomes, compared with just 1266 in the previous survey. In addition to readers of PLANT ENGINEERING , the latest survey includes member of the Association for Facilities Engineering who were not part of the 2001 survey. These differences in the sample could account for many of the differences in the data.

Highlights from the survey are presented in the accompanying graphics. All data represent average total compensation , including annual salary and cash bonus/profit sharing.

More Info: Complete tabulations of this survey are available in the 482-p report, Compensation of Plant/Facilities Maintenance/Engineering Managers & Engineers, 6th Edition. The report includes annual salary, bonus, and total compensation data according to job levels, regional and metropolitan locations, types of industry, levels of responsibility, budgets, personnel managed/supervised, and many other factors. All are cross tabulated. Price is $375. Order from: Abbott, Langer & Associates Dept PLE 548 First St Crete, IL 60417 Phone: 708-672-4200; Fax: 708-672-4674 Web: abbott-langer.com