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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 318 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$199,010
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$199,010
  3. Senior Director of Operations$199,010
  4. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$140,340
  5. Process Engineering Manager$140,340
  6. Controls / Automation Manager$140,340
  7. VP of Engineering$140,340
  8. Director of R&D$140,340
  9. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$140,340
  10. NPI Manager$140,340
  11. Capital Projects Manager$140,340
  12. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$140,340
  13. Senior Industrial Engineer$140,340
  14. Senior Packaging Engineer$140,340
  15. Director of Automation$140,340
  16. Automation Manager$140,340
  17. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$140,340
  18. R&D Manager$140,340
  19. R&D Engineer$140,340
  20. Engineering Manager (Product)$140,340
  21. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$140,340
  22. Lead Product Development Engineer$140,340
  23. Plant HR Manager$125,970
  24. CFO (Manufacturing)$125,690
  25. Corporate Controller$125,690

Bars show the top 25 of 318 ranked. The table below lists all 318. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$116,870$199,010$268,2701100.95
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$116,870$199,010$268,2701100.95
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$116,870$199,010$268,2701100.95
4Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
5Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
6Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
7VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
8Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
9Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
10NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
11Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
12Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
13Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
14Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
15Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
16Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
17Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
18R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
19R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
20Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
21Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
22Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$126,080$140,340$168,730600.5
23Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$102,200$125,970$146,320800.66
24CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
25Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
26Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
27VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
28Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
29Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
30FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
31Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
32Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$100,440$125,690$172,8903700.81
33VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
34Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
35Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
36National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
37Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
38National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
39Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
40Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
41Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
42Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
43Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
44Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
45Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
46Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$95,610$125,050$169,0201500.44
47PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$90,130$113,970$137,0902800.31
48MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$90,130$113,970$137,0902800.31
49SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$90,130$113,970$137,0902800.31
50Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$90,130$113,970$137,0902800.31
51Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$90,130$113,970$137,0902800.31
52Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
53Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
54Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
55Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
56Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
57Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
58Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
59Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
60Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
61VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
62Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
63Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
64QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
65Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
66Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
67FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
68FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
69Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
70QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
71Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
72Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
73Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
74Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
75Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
76Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
77Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
78Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
79QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
80Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
81CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
82Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
83Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
84Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$85,990$102,810$128,3201701.27
85Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
86EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
87EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
88Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
89Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
90Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
91S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
92Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
93Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
94Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
95Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
96Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
97EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
98Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$73,720$99,530$123,4701500.44
99Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
100Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
101Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
102Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
103Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
104Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$78,240$96,440$103,070400.44
105Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$75,850$95,470$114,8601301.49
106Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$75,850$95,470$114,8601301.49
107Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$75,850$95,470$114,8601301.49
108Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
109Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
110Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
111Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
112Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
113Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
114Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
115Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
116Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
117Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
118Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
119Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
120Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
121Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
122Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
123Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
124Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
125Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
126Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
127Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
128Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
129Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
130Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
131Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
132Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
133Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
134EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
135VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
136Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
137Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
138Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
139Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
140Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
141Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
142Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$77,040$92,330$103,9901200.62
143VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
144Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
145Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
146Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
147Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
148Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
149Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
150Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
151Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
152Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
153Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
154Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
155Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
156Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$80,330$91,250$106,6501401.2
157Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
158Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
159Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
160Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
161Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
162Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
163Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
164Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
165Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
166Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
167Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
168CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$78,360$88,770$112,0901901.21
169Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$64,820$85,100$97,520500.71
170Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$64,820$85,100$97,520500.71
171Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$64,820$85,100$97,520500.71
172VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
173VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
174Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
175General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
176Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
177EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
178Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
179Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$57,960$82,400$122,9801,5100.79
180Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,190$81,600$107,4701900.33
181Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$64,190$81,600$107,4701900.33
182Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
183Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
184Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
185Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
186Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
187Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
188Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
189Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
190Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
191Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
192Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
193Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
194Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
195Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
196Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
197Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
198End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
199Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$60,280$77,850$79,2905102.14
200Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
201Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
202Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
203Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
204Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
205Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
206Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
207Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
208Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$62,150$77,410$96,9602800.83
209PLC / Controls TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$66,010$75,610$81,8901103.09
210Robotics TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$66,010$75,610$81,8901103.09
211Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$66,010$75,610$81,8901103.09
212Semiconductor Equipment TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$66,010$75,610$81,8901103.09
213Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
214Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
215Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
216Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
217Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
218CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
219Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
220Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,140$75,370$80,7104701.3
221Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$59,790$73,530$94,3305400.69
222Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$59,790$73,530$94,3305400.69
223Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$59,790$73,530$94,3305400.69
224Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$59,790$73,530$94,3305400.69
225Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$59,660$73,330$99,7201900.7
226Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$61,300$73,200$76,5201800.79
227Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$61,300$73,200$76,5201800.79
228Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$61,300$73,200$76,5201800.79
229Tool and Die MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$60,950$65,590$66,7301003.13
230Mold MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$60,950$65,590$66,7301003.13
231Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$48,050$63,420$80,8903600.88
232Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$48,200$60,400$79,7102601.17
233CNC ProgrammerComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers (51-9162)$54,990$60,330$64,820603.72
234Overhead Crane Operator & RiggerCrane and Tower Operators (53-7021)$60,110$60,110$71,410401.92
235Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$49,410$59,660$74,7103300.98
236Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$49,410$59,660$74,7103300.98
237CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
2385-Axis CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
239Swiss CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
240CNC Machine OperatorMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
241Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
242Manual MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
243EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker)Machinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
244CNC Grinder / Precision GrinderMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
245Lead MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
246Machinist AMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
247Machinist BMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
248Machinist CMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
249Senior CNC MachinistMachinists (51-4041)$50,690$58,100$62,1601801.16
250Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
251Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
252Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
253Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
254Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
255Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,510$57,430$63,9401600.76
256Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$55,550$55,550$55,5901702.03
257Robotic Welding TechnicianWelding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)$47,190$54,470$55,860502.77
258CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$50,380$51,600$60,1707207.79
259Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
260Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
261CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
262Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
263Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
264First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
265Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
266Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
267Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
268Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
269Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
270Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$50,900$51,250$63,1906602.05
271Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
272TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
273Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
274Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
275Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
276Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
277Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
278Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
279Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
280Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
281Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
282Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,430$51,080$59,0605402.41
283Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$45,280$49,600$50,710700.8
284Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$45,280$49,600$50,710700.8
285Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
286Setup TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
287Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
288Battery Cell Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
289CIP TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
290Skilled Machine OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
291Utility / Relief OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
292Production Trainer (OJT Trainer)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
293Senior Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
294Lead Production TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
295Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
296Batch Maker / CompounderProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
297Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
298Industrial Wastewater Treatment OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
299Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating)Production Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
300Retort / Thermal Process OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
301Brewer / Cellar OperatorProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
302Senior Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
303Lead Process TechnicianProduction Workers, All Other (51-9199)$38,910$48,300$48,3003802.78
304Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
305Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
306Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
307Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
308Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
309Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
310Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$37,250$46,950$55,2003300.75
311Electronics Assembler / SoldererElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$37,480$44,080$54,870700.54
312Wire Harness & Cable AssemblerElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$37,480$44,080$54,870700.54
313SMT TechnicianElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$37,480$44,080$54,870700.54
314Control Panel BuilderElectrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers (51-2028)$37,480$44,080$54,870700.54
315Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$40,830$43,670$49,3704801.14
316Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$35,800$40,540$48,010901.17
317Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$29,080$34,510$38,6701,4401.2
318Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$29,080$34,510$38,6701,4401.2

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineer (Plant), Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Sales Engineer, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Bioprocess Technician, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Procurement Manager, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Senior Controls Engineer, Lead Controls Technician, Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A), Lead Controls Engineer, Controls Supervisor, Product Development Scientist, QC Microbiology Manager, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Inside Sales Engineer, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator.

State figures for Iowa

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

In the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, area, the CEO / President (Manufacturing) is classified under the broad SOC 11-1011 category, which includes 110 individuals. The median annual salary for this position as of May 2025 is $199,010, marking a dramatic increase from the previous median of $155,110.

The middleBandWidth for this role is $151,400, spanning from $116,870 at the P25 to $268,270 at the P75. Manufacturing Headhunters emphasizes that these figures represent base cash compensation, excluding performance bonuses and long-term incentives which often constitute a large portion of executive pay.

The national data for this occupation covers 204,350 employees with a median salary of $213,990. The local median is slightly below this national midpoint. The national middleBandWidth is $226,660, demonstrating significant dispersion across the U.S. economy. When looking at the Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector nationally, the industry-specific median is $409,320, which is significantly higher than both the national broad occupational median and the local median for the broad category in Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

Comparative metro data for the Industrial Production Managers occupation provides insight into plant leadership dynamics. The Cedar Rapids, IA, metro area reports 310 managers with a median of $118,000 and a middleBandWidth of $48,080. These figures, while relating to production management rather than the CEO level, underscore the pay market for senior operational leadership within the Iowa manufacturing sector, which tends to be more constrained than executive-level pay.

The significant jump in the median for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls warrants careful interpretation, as these broad SOC classifications can be sensitive to shifts in the underlying mix of reported data. Because the data represents a broad range of industries, it should be treated as a general guide. The location quotient of 0.95 indicates that this role’s local concentration is very close to the national average. Firms assessing this market should account for industry-specific premiums, which can significantly exceed these broad, cross-industry occupational medians.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

What drove the large median increase from $155,110 to $199,010?

The change reflects the reported data shifts within the broad Chief Executives category in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls region. Broad SOC reporting can be sensitive to the sample of companies reporting their executive salaries each cycle.

How does the local CEO median compare with the national industry median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing?

The local CEO median is $199,010, significantly lower than the national industry-specific median of $409,320 for Communications Equipment Manufacturing. This reflects the premium associated with specialized tech-heavy manufacturing leadership.

What is the significance of the 0.95 location quotient?

A location quotient of 0.95 means the local concentration of CEO-level roles is nearly identical to the national average. This indicates a stable alignment between local occupational demand and national trends.

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Related wage comparison 9 · Data methodology

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