Exclusive 2003 Plant Engineering Salary Survey

After losing ground in 2002, compensation levels for plant engineers have rebounded — from an overall average of $74,560 to $76,922 (a little over 3%) — according to results from the latest survey conducted for Plant Engineering. Salaries had actually dropped from 2001 to 2002, but the latest figures surpass even the 2001 levels in most of the categories studied.

In a year when the industrial economy was dismal, it's a little surprising to see this kind of income growth. The higher compensation levels could be indicators of increased responsibilities for those who survived the many layoffs of 2002-03.
 

While surveys of this type do not identify the specific factors that influence pay scales, it appears that, in general, size does make a difference. As plant size, maintenance budget, and workers supervised increase, so do pay levels. Of course, education, age, and years of experience are also major factors, as indicated by the data presented here.

The survey was conducted in November among readers of PLANT ENGINEERING by Abbott, Langer & Associates and represents 1415 usable responses.

Data in the accompanying graphs represent average total compensation, including annual salary and cash bonuses/profit sharing.