Average Production Manager salary by company size

by | Published on Jul 20, 2024 | Compensation

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How does company size affect a Production Manager’s salary? This article breaks down the average Production Manager salary by company size, covering small, medium, and large organizations. Learn what factors influence these salaries and how they vary.

Article Highlights

  • Production Manager salaries vary significantly based on the size of the company, with smaller firms offering lower base salaries but potentially higher performance bonuses, and larger firms providing higher base salaries along with substantial additional benefits.

  • Core qualities for a successful Production Manager include intelligence, flexibility, quick thinking, resourcefulness, creativity, empathy towards workers, self-control, and strong communication skills.

  • The average Production Manager salary in the United States in 2024 is $79,830, with total cash compensation, including bonuses, ranging up to $154,845 depending on industry, company size, and individual performance.

What does a Production Manager do?

A Production Manager is at the heart of any manufacturing or production operation. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the manufacturing processes to ensure that production goals are met efficiently and effectively. This involves a myriad of tasks, from managing employees and scheduling crew members to negotiating contracts and resolving issues that may hinder production. The role is both administrative and hands-on, requiring a balance of strategic planning and active problem-solving. For those seeking product manager jobs, a position as a Production Manager can be a rewarding and challenging career choice.

A Production Manager’s key tasks include:

  • Monitoring and controlling the production budget

  • Maintaining the production process within the allocated budget

  • Making tough decisions and finding innovative ways to cut costs without compromising on quality

Maintaining the production process within the allocated budget is fundamental to the company’s financial health.

Beyond financial oversight, Production Managers also have a pivotal role in managing the workforce. They are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising production staff. This means they must possess strong leadership skills to motivate their teams and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. Effective communication is essential, as they must convey management decisions, give instructions, and resolve conflicts that arise on the production floor.

What are the qualities of a good Production Manager

A competent Production Manager is a versatile individual possessing numerous essential qualities. Some of these qualities include:

  • Intelligence: essential for making efficient use of resources and achieving organizational goals

  • Flexibility: allowing them to adapt to changing priorities and demands

  • Quick thinking: the ability to think on one’s feet and adjust plans accordingly

In a dynamic production environment, these qualities can make all the difference.

This role necessitates both resourcefulness and creativity. A Production Manager must be able to:

  • Devise new methods for using resources more efficiently. This often requires a creative approach to problem-solving and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions.

  • Plan and execute tasks effectively, even in the face of challenges.

  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and perseverance.

By possessing a bachelor’s degree and these qualities, anonymous product manager employees can excel in their role with the job title of Production Manager, job title product manager, or senior manager. In fact, a product manager reported that these skills are essential for success in this field.

Furthermore, a competent Production Manager should demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Significant empathy towards workers, especially those facing difficulties, to foster a supportive and productive work environment

  • Self-control to handle different situations without getting panicked or discouraged

  • Good communication skills for giving clear instructions, resolving conflicts, and conveying decisions

These qualities collectively contribute to the success and effectiveness of a Production Manager.

Common Pay Structure Explained

Production Managers’ compensation structure commonly comprises a base salary, yearly incentives, and supplementary benefits. The common product manager salary for a Production Manager in the United States varies between $105,211 and $140,036, averaging around $122,144. These figures represent the typical compensation for this role. This base salary forms the core of their compensation package and is influenced by factors such as experience, location, and industry.

Beyond the base salary, Production Managers often receive yearly incentives and bonuses. These performance-based bonuses can significantly boost the overall compensation, ranging from $111,197 to $154,845. Such incentives are often tied to the achievement of specific production goals and metrics, providing a financial reward for meeting or exceeding targets.

Benefits are also a significant component of the compensation package for Production Managers. Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. These benefits not only add value to the overall compensation but also contribute to job satisfaction and employee retention.

Comprehending this pay structure is vital for those contemplating a career as a Production Manager or seeking to negotiate their remuneration.

Average Production Manager Salary by Company Size

Illustration of salary differences based on company size for production managers

A company’s size can greatly affect a Production Manager’s salary. Larger companies often have more resources and, therefore, can afford to pay higher salaries compared to smaller startups. In 2024, the average salary for a Production Manager, Manufacturing is $79,830, with the lowest pay being around $54,000 per year. It’s worth noting that product manager salaries, including the average product manager salary, may differ from this figure, and product manager salary ranges can vary as well.

These salary variations primarily result from companies’ differing financial capacities and operational scopes. While smaller companies may offer lower base salaries, they often provide performance bonuses and other incentives to attract and retain talent. On the other hand, larger companies can offer higher base salaries along with comprehensive benefits and bonuses, making them more attractive to experienced Production Managers.

Salary Breakdown by Small Companies (1-50 Employees)

In smaller enterprises, the salary for a Production Manager can fluctuate considerably, depending on the business’s specific needs and financial capacity. An entry-level Production Manager with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $62,213. The lowest pay in this category can be around $54,000 per year.

Additional cash compensation in small companies might include performance bonuses, although these are often less structured compared to larger firms. The variability in salaries is a reflection of the diverse range of small businesses and their unique compensation strategies. Despite the potential for lower base salaries, the opportunity for performance-based bonuses can make these positions attractive to ambitious Production Managers looking to prove their worth.

Salary Breakdown by Medium-Sized Companies (51-500 Employees)

Medium-sized companies typically offer competitive total compensation packages for Production Managers. The base salary for these roles can vary broadly, reflecting the diversity in roles and responsibilities within this company size bracket. These companies often balance the need to attract skilled managers with the financial realities of operating at a mid-scale level.

In addition to a solid base salary, medium-sized companies frequently offer additional cash compensation that includes performance bonuses. These bonuses are usually tied to the achievement of specific production targets and organizational goals, providing an incentive for Production Managers to drive efficiency and productivity. This combination of a competitive base salary and substantial bonuses makes medium-sized companies attractive places to work for Production Managers.

Salary Breakdown by Large Companies (501+ Employees)

With their vast resources, large companies usually offer the most substantial salaries for Production Managers. The highest reported pay for a Production Manager in large companies can reach up to $113,000 per year. These companies often provide comprehensive compensation packages that include:

  • High base salaries

  • Substantial performance bonuses

  • Stock options

  • Comprehensive benefits

Performance bonuses in large companies can be particularly lucrative, ranging from 10% to 30% of the total pay. These bonuses are designed to reward exceptional performance and align the interests of the managers with the company’s goals. The inclusion of stock options and other long-term incentives further enhances the attractiveness of these roles, making large companies highly sought after by experienced Production Managers.

Average Total Cash Compensation

Total cash compensation for Production Managers encompasses base salary, performance bonuses, and other fiscal incentives. This comprehensive package can vary widely based on industry and region. In the US, the average total cash compensation for a Production Manager ranges from $111,197 to $154,845, with an average of approximately $130,765.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses tied to performance metrics play a significant role in the total compensation. Other cash incentives may include profit-sharing and stock options, which can further increase the overall earnings. Understanding the components of total cash compensation, including average additional cash compensation, is crucial for Production Managers to evaluate job offers and negotiate their salaries effectively.

Different industries of Production Managers and their average pay

Salaries for Production Managers can fluctuate considerably across various industries, as numerous factors affect product manager salaries. Sectors such as technology and finance generally offer higher salaries compared to other industries. This is due to the higher profit margins and financial capabilities of companies in these fields, allowing them to offer more attractive compensation packages.

In contrast, industries with lower profit margins may offer comparatively lower salaries. However, they often provide other benefits and incentives to attract skilled Production Managers. Understanding these industry-specific salary trends can help Production Managers make informed career choices and align their expectations with market realities.

What is the average Production Manager salary by company size: 2023?

In 2023, the average salary for a Production Manager in the United States stood at $122,144. This figure reflects the standard income for professionals in this role. This figure typically ranged between $105,211 and $140,036, reflecting the impact of factors such as experience, location, and company size. Production Managers at the 90th percentile could earn up to $156,326, highlighting the potential for high earnings in this role.

The size of the company also played a crucial role in determining salaries. Larger companies generally offered higher salaries compared to smaller firms, leveraging their greater financial resources to attract top talent. This trend underscores the importance of company size in salary negotiations and career planning for Production Managers.

What is the average Production Manager salary by company size: 2024?

The average salary for a Manufacturing Production Manager was $79,830 in 2024. For entry-level Production Managers with less than one year of experience, the average total compensation was $62,213. The highest reported pay for a Production Manager in manufacturing could reach up to $113,000 annually, while the lowest pay was around $54,000 per year.

These figures highlight a slight variation from the previous year, reflecting ongoing changes in the job market and economic conditions. As companies continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the salary trends for Production Managers are likely to shift accordingly. Staying informed about these trends is essential for Production Managers to navigate their career paths effectively.

What is the outlook for Production Manager pay?

Several factors, including industry growth and economic conditions, influence the future outlook for Production Manager pay. Here are some key points to consider:

  • The employment of industrial production managers is expected to increase by 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.

  • This growth is in line with the average for all occupations.

  • This modest growth indicates a stable demand for Production Managers in the coming years.

The outlook for Production Manager pay is promising. Here are some key statistics:

  • The median annual wage for industrial production managers was $116,970 in May 2023.

  • Approximately 15,300 openings for these roles are projected each year over the decade.

  • Many of these openings are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

This steady demand, coupled with recent product manager salaries, makes the outlook for Production Manager pay promising.

Production Manager Salary: Men vs Women

The gender pay gap is a significant issue among Production Managers, as men often earn higher salaries than women in this role. Research indicates a noticeable disparity in compensation, with women earning 87% of what men earn in the same position. This gap highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in achieving pay equity in the production management field.

Despite these disparities, there are over 150,359 Production Managers currently employed in the United States, with 23.4% being women. Efforts to address the gender pay gap are ongoing, and greater awareness and advocacy can help bridge this divide. Understanding the dynamics of gender-based salary differences is crucial for fostering a more equitable workplace.

What are the US states with the highest Production Manager pay

Geographic location and the cost of living in that area can cause significant variations in Production Managers’ salaries. California, particularly San Francisco, offers the highest Production Manager salaries in the United States. This region’s high cost of living and competitive job market contribute to higher compensation packages.

In contrast, Miami, Florida, has some of the lowest Production Manager salaries. Other states with high Production Manager pay include those with robust industrial and manufacturing sectors. Understanding these regional salary differences can help Production Managers make informed decisions about where to pursue career opportunities.

Resources for Further Information

Illustration of resources for further information on production manager salaries

Several resources can offer valuable information for those seeking a deeper understanding of Production Manager salaries and career prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a comprehensive resource for exploring employment and wages by state and area for industrial production managers. This database offers detailed statistics on job outlook, salary ranges, and industry trends.

Another excellent resource is O*NET, which provides in-depth information on key characteristics of workers and occupations relevant to industrial production managers. Additionally, salary benchmarking data from platforms like SalaryCube can offer insights into industry standards and help you understand how your compensation compares to others in similar roles. These resources are invaluable for anyone looking to make informed career decisions and stay updated on market trends.

Summary

Understanding the salary dynamics of Production Managers is crucial for career planning and progression. This blog has explored how company size, industry, and other factors influence Production Manager salaries. We’ve delved into the compensation structures in small, medium, and large companies, highlighting the differences in base salaries, bonuses, and benefits. Additionally, we’ve examined the impact of industry and gender on salaries, providing a comprehensive overview of what Production Managers can expect in terms of compensation.

As you navigate your career, it’s essential to stay informed about market trends and salary benchmarks. Whether you’re negotiating a new job offer or seeking a raise, this knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions. Remember, the landscape of compensation is ever-evolving, and staying updated will help you achieve your career goals. Armed with this information, you’re well-equipped to take the next step in your professional journey with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors influence the salary of a Production Manager?

The salary of a Production Manager is influenced by factors such as company size, industry, geographic location, experience, and performance bonuses. Larger companies and high-profit industries typically offer higher salaries.

How does company size affect Production Manager salaries?

In general, larger companies offer higher base salaries, more benefits, and larger performance bonuses compared to smaller companies for Production Managers.

What is the average salary for a Production Manager in 2024?

The average salary for a Production Manager in 2024 is $79,830, with entry-level positions earning around $62,213 and the highest reported pay at $113,000 annually.

Are there significant salary differences between male and female Production Managers?

Yes, there is a significant gender pay gap among Production Managers, with women earning approximately 87% of what men earn in the same role. Efforts are ongoing to address this disparity and promote pay equity.

Which US states offer the highest salaries for Production Managers?

For the highest salaries as a Production Manager, consider California, especially San Francisco, while states like Florida, particularly Miami, offer relatively lower salaries. California is the top choice for high wages, with Miami, Florida, offering lower salaries.