Continuous Improvement Manager Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
A continuous improvement manager is responsible for leading efforts to enhance business processes, improve operational efficiency, and ensure overall organizational performance. This role typically requires a strong background in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
The average annual salary for a continuous improvement manager in the United States is $141,640 in 2025. The salary can vary widely depending on factors like experience, education, location, industry, and company size.
An Overview of Continuous Improvement Manager Salaries
In 2025, the average salary for the job title of a continuous improvement manager in the United States is $141,640 per year, which breaks down to approximately $68 per hour or $11,803 per month.
Salaries for continuous improvement managers typically range from $106,660 to $180,250, with entry and experienced managers usually earning between these amounts, according to the latest data from Salary.com.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $106,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,330 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $141,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,250 |
According to BLS, the projected growth in these roles is quite strong, which is great news for anyone pursuing a career in management including the continuous improvement manager. The fact that there are 1.2 million projected openings each year due to both growth and worker turnover highlights the demand for skilled management professionals.
Also, the median annual wage for management occupations being significantly higher than the average for all occupations suggests that these roles can be quite lucrative.
Continuous Improvement Manager Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The continuous improvement manager salary can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual figures. As of February 1, 2025, the national average salary for continuous improvement manager in the United States is approximately $68 per hour, or $11,803 per month.
- Average Hourly Wage: $68
- Average Weekly Wage: $2,724
- Average Monthly Wage: $11,803
- Average Annual Salary: $141,640
As with many other roles, the continuous improvement manager salary can fluctuate based on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and industry demand. These variables can significantly influence continuous improvement manager earn overall compensation.
How Experience Impacts Continuous Improvement Manager Salaries
The level of experience significantly impacts the continuous improvement manager salary in the United States. As seen below, the salary differences between various experience levels are notable.
Based on the latest data, the salary difference between an entry-level continuous improvement manager and an expert-level one is approximately $11,837. For those with the highest experience level, the average salary can reach up to $145,242 per year.
- Entry-level Continuous Improvement Manager: $133,405
- Intermediate-level Continuous Improvement Manager: $134,217
- Senior-level Continuous Improvement Manager: $135,570
- Specialist-level Continuous Improvement Manager: $137,464
- Expert-level Continuous Improvement Manager: $145,242
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Continuous Improvement Managers
Each state has varying average salaries for continuous improvement manager, influenced by factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry demand. According to our data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual salary for continuous improvement manager in the United States, at $157,640 per year.
While California holds the second spot with an average salary of $156,230 per year, New Jersey follows closely with $155,240 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $157,640 |
| California | $156,230 |
| New Jersey | $155,240 |
| Alaska | $154,250 |
| Massachusetts | $154,100 |
| Washington | $152,690 |
| Connecticut | $152,120 |
| New York | $150,990 |
| Rhode Island | $147,870 |
| Hawaii | $148,010 |
| Maryland | $146,030 |
| Colorado | $144,470 |
| Minnesota | $144,900 |
| Illinois | $144,900 |
| New Hampshire | $144,050 |
| Oregon | $143,910 |
| Delaware | $143,760 |
| Virginia | $142,060 |
| Nevada | $142,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $141,360 |
| North Dakota | $140,220 |
| Michigan | $139,800 |
| Wisconsin | $139,940 |
| Ohio | $138,520 |
| Texas | $138,670 |
| Indiana | $137,390 |
| Maine | $137,820 |
| Arizona | $137,960 |
| North Carolina | $135,970 |
| Iowa | $135,550 |
| Kansas | $134,840 |
| Florida | $134,560 |
| Utah | $134,700 |
| Louisiana | $134,700 |
| Missouri | $134,980 |
| Georgia | $136,970 |
| South Carolina | $133,710 |
| Nebraska | $133,420 |
| Kentucky | $133,280 |
| Idaho | $132,150 |
| Montana | $132,290 |
| Tennessee | $131,160 |
| Oklahoma | $131,020 |
| New Mexico | $130,590 |
| Alabama | $130,170 |
| Arkansas | $129,030 |
| Mississippi | $126,340 |
| South Dakota | $127,330 |
| West Virginia | $127,480 |
Continuous Improvement Manager Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to Salary.com salary data, the top three highest paying cities for continuous improvement manager wages in the United States are San Jose, CA ($177,760), San Francisco, CA ($177,050), and Oakland, CA ($172,800).
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $177,760 |
| San Francisco, CA | $177,050 |
| Oakland, CA | $172,800 |
| New York, NY | $165,430 |
| Queens Village, NY | $164,300 |
| Paramus, NJ | $163,170 |
| Passaic, NJ | $163,030 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $162,880 |
| Stamford, CT | $162,600 |
| Huntington, NY | $161,470 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $160,480 |
| Newark, NJ | $160,050 |
Explore Continuous Improvement Manager Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
Aside from the base pay, experienced continuous improvement manager can receive different benefits and perks from their employers. According to HR-reported data, the total compensation for continuous improvement manager includes benefits such as Social Security and 401(k)/403(b) plans.
- Social Security: $11,501
- 401K/403B: $6,314
- Disability: $3,007
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension:$8,118
- Time Off: $18,503
Continuous Improvement Manager Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A continuous improvement manager is responsible for leading efforts to improve the efficiency, quality, and effectiveness of processes within an organization. This role focuses on driving performance enhancement through lean methodologies, process optimization, and strategic planning. The continuous improvement manager works closely with different departments to ensure projects are executed successfully, meeting business objectives and improving operations.
Other functions of a continuous improvement manager include:
- Leads the implementation of lean manufacturing goals and continuous improvement strategies.
- Analyzes current processes and identifies areas of improvement through data analysis and performance metrics.
- Uses lean tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, and others to optimize workflows and minimize waste.
- Develops and executes training programs on Lean principles and tools for employees.
- Collaborates with department heads to ensure the efficient execution of operational improvements.
- Reviews and revises processes to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Monitors and tracks performance metrics to evaluate the impact of implemented improvements.
- Directs teams and projects to achieve continuous improvement objectives, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and timelines.
- Supervises and trains teams on best practices for continuous improvement, maintaining high levels of employee engagement and productivity.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Continuous Improvement Manager
If you are employed by a company and believe you deserve a raise as a continuous improvement manager, here's a guide to asking for one from your employer:
- Build Your Case: Highlight your experience, skills, and contributions, such as cost-saving improvements. If you've led projects or trained others in Lean methodologies, mention these achievements. Show how your efforts align with company goals.
- Choose the Right Moment to Ask: Ask when the company is financially stable or after a successful project. Annual performance reviews are also a great time to bring up pay adjustments. Timing your request shows thoughtfulness and readiness.
- Set Up a Formal Meeting: Avoid asking during casual or busy moments, and set up a formal meeting instead. This ensures the conversation gets proper attention and shows you're serious. A formal request reflects professionalism.
- Present Your Case with Supporting Data: Research the average salary for Continuous Improvement Managers in your area. As of February 2025, the average salary is $141,640 per year. Use this data to support your request and showcase how your work adds value.
Why Does a Continuous Improvement Manager Make So Much?
Continuous improvement managers make so much because they possess specialized expertise in optimizing business processes and driving operational efficiency. Their ability to lead change and implement strategies like lean manufacturing and six sigma makes them highly valuable. These professionals are essential for companies looking to improve productivity and achieve growth.
However, keep in mind that most continuous improvement managers have extensive experience (typically 5+ years) and certifications in lean or six sigma. Salaries can also vary based on location, industry, and company size, with some areas offering higher compensation, like San Jose, CA.
Certain skills can increase the earning potential of a continuous improvement manager. According to our Real-time Job Posting Salary Data, continuous improvement managers with manufacturing operations skills can be 9.66% more than those without these skills. Also, having root cause analysis skills can lead to 6.26% salary increase.
- Manufacturing Operations: +9.66% salary increase
- Root Cause Analysis: +6.26% salary increase
- Six Sigma: +5.74% salary increase
- KaiZen: +5.52% salary increase
- Spreadsheet Software: +4.81% salary increase
- Manufacturing Processes: +4.29% salary increase
The Future of Continuous Improvement Managers: Job Outlook and Career Trends
The BLS projects that the job outlook for management occupations including the continuous improvement manager will grow at a faster-than-average rate from 2023 to 2033. About 1.2 million openings are expected each year, primarily due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave these roles permanently.
The demand for management professionals will increase as organizations continue to expand across various sectors, such as business, healthcare, technology, and education. Managers will be crucial in overseeing operations, improving efficiency, and leading teams to meet organizational goals.
However, the growth in management job opportunities may also be driven by the increasing need for leadership in emerging fields, including technology, sustainability, and digital transformation.
