The consumer non-durables industry—which includes fast-moving goods like food, beverages, cosmetics, and household products—offers millions of jobs in the U.S. Because these are essential goods, the industry remains stable even during economic shifts. But what do jobs in consumer non-durables actually pay? Let’s break it down by role, experience level, and company size.
Average Salary in Consumer Non-Durables
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry salary reports, the average salary in consumer non-durables ranges from $40,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on position and experience. Entry-level jobs such as production or packaging roles start lower, while marketing, R&D, and management positions often exceed six figures.
Salary Breakdown by Job Type
1. Entry-Level Production & Support Roles
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Production Associate / Factory Worker: ~$30,000–$38,000/year. The median annual pay for production workers in food manufacturing is around $31,385 (YouTube data reference).
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Stock Associate / Wholesale Shipping Clerk: ~$27,000–$35,000/year (Indeed career data).
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Pharmacy or Grocery Technician: ~ $34,000/year (Indeed career data).
Experience Growth: After 5 years, wages can climb to $40,000–$50,000 for supervisory production roles or lead support.
Employers: Mondelez, Nestlé, local grocery chains.
2. Quality Assurance & Lab Positions
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Quality Assurance Manager: ~$79,000/year (Indeed).
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Food Scientist / Technologist: ~$90,000/year on average (Indeed).
With 5–7 years of experience, some go on to managerial or R&D specialist roles earning up to $120,000.
Employers: Unilever, J&J, Kellogg’s.
3. Sales & Marketing Roles
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Sales Representative (FMCG): ~ $69,000/year; top earners exceed $100,000 including commission (Indeed salary guide, Zippia salary insights).
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Brand Manager / Marketing Manager: $90,000–$150,000/year (Tallo, Cultivated Culture).
Experience Milestones:
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3–5 years: Mid-level brand manager roles around $120,000.
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7–10 years: Senior directors or global brand leads can reach $150k+.
Employers: P&G, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo.
4. R&D, Product Development & Technical Roles
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R&D Scientist / Product Manager: $72,000–$160,000/year (Cultivated Culture).
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Chemical Engineer (non-durables): ~$112,000/year (CareerCloud).
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Environmental Scientist / Specialty Roles: ~$79,000–$92,000/year (CareerCloud).
Experience Growth:
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Early career lab roles: $70,000–$80,000.
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With 8–10 years, managers, lead scientists, or product heads can earn $130k–$160k+.
Employers: Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Kraft Heinz.
5. Logistics & Supply Chain
Growth Path:
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With 3–5 years, moving into senior operations or manufacturing planning roles can exceed $120,000.
Employers: KraftHeinz, General Mills, Nestlé.
6. Corporate & Financial Roles
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Pharmaceutical Financial Analyst: ~$99,890/year (CareerCloud).
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Marketing / Sales Directors: $120,000–$150,000/year (Tallo).
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Creative Director (FMCG): ~$82,500/year (CareerCloud).
With 10+ years of senior management or leadership experience, salaries can reach $200k+ depending on company size and location.
Employers: Procter & Gamble, Unilever, PepsiCo.
7. Overall Industry Pay Benchmarks
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Consumer Packaged Goods (FMCG) Average Salary (2025):
$91,189/year ($43.84/hour) (ZipRecruiter). -
Non-durable goods manufacturing hourly average:
$26.48/hour ($54,000/year) (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
8. Experience-Based Salary Multiplier
Professionals with 10+ years of experience often earn 20–30% more than average, particularly in R&D, leadership, or technical specialties (Women for Hire).
9. Companies That Hire in This Industry
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Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, PepsiCo, KraftHeinz.
These giants regularly recruit for roles across manufacturing, R&D, marketing, logistics, and operations.
Quick Salary Table (with experience estimates)
| Role Category | Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | Senior (8–15 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production & Support | $30k–$38k | $45k–$60k | $60k–$80k |
| Quality / QA | $60k–$80k | $80k–$100k | $100k–$120k |
| Sales & Marketing | $60k–$80k | $80k–$120k | $120k–$160k+ |
| R&D / Product Development | $70k–$90k | $90k–$130k | $130k–$160k+ |
| Logistics / Supply Chain | $50k–$70k | $70k–$100k | $100k–$130k |
| Corporate / Financial Roles | $80k–$100k | $100k–$130k | $130k–$200k+ |
Factors That Affect Pay
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Company Size – Multinational companies like Nestlé or PepsiCo offer higher salaries compared to small regional brands.
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Location – Jobs in urban hubs (like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles) typically pay more due to cost of living.
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Experience Level – Entry-level positions start at the lower end, while experienced managers and specialists command top salaries.
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Education – Roles in R&D and corporate strategy often require advanced degrees, which come with higher pay.
Is Consumer Non-Durables a Good Career Path?
Yes—this industry provides stable employment, global career opportunities, and competitive pay. Since consumer non-durables are always in demand, jobs in this sector tend to be resilient even during recessions. It’s also an attractive field for career growth, as companies constantly expand into new markets and launch new products.
Final Thoughts
So, what do consumer non-durables jobs pay? Salaries range from around $30,000 for entry-level manufacturing roles to well over $120,000 for senior R&D and management positions. If you’re looking for a stable industry with growth potential, consumer non-durables is a strong choice.
