In today's digitally-driven economy, the demand for skilled software engineers has expanded far beyond traditional tech hubs. Major consumer brands now rely heavily on technology for everything from supply chain logistics to e-commerce and data analytics. This creates exciting and lucrative opportunities for tech professionals in unexpected places. One such company is The J.M. Smucker Co., a household name in food and beverage.
A career as a software engineer at a stable, century-old company like J.M. Smucker offers a unique blend of technological challenge and corporate stability. But what can you expect to earn? In this article, we'll break down the salary potential for software engineers at J.M. Smucker, with data-backed insights showing that compensation is competitive, often ranging from $90,000 to over $140,000 annually depending on key factors.
What Does a Software Engineer at J.M. Smucker Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the role. A software engineer at a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) company like J.M. Smucker is not typically building the next social media app. Instead, their work is critical to the internal engine that keeps the business running smoothly and competitively.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Developing and Maintaining Internal Systems: Building and supporting software for supply chain management, manufacturing processes, and logistics to ensure products like Jif® peanut butter and Folgers® coffee get from the factory to the store shelf efficiently.
- E-commerce and Digital Platforms: Working on the company's direct-to-consumer websites and digital marketing technology to enhance the customer experience.
- Data Engineering and Analytics: Creating data pipelines and tools to analyze vast amounts of sales, consumer, and market data, turning it into actionable business intelligence.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Customizing and integrating large-scale systems like SAP that manage finance, HR, and operations across the entire organization.
In short, these engineers solve complex, real-world problems that directly impact the company's bottom line.
Average J.M. Smucker Software Engineer Salary
Salary data for a specific role at a single company is best estimated using aggregate data from multiple sources. It's important to note that these figures combine various experience levels and specialties.
According to the latest available data, here is a breakdown of the typical salary for a software engineer at The J.M. Smucker Co.:
- Estimated Average Total Pay: Salary aggregators like Glassdoor report an estimated total pay of $115,283 per year for a Software Engineer at J.M. Smucker. This figure includes an estimated base salary of around $104,000 plus additional compensation like cash bonuses.
- Typical Salary Range: A more detailed look at the data shows a broad spectrum. Salary.com data for Software Engineer roles in Orrville, Ohio (Smucker's headquarters) suggests a range that can span from $92,000 for an entry-level professional to over $143,000 for a senior engineer.
These figures demonstrate a strong, competitive compensation package, especially when considering other influencing factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your final salary offer will depend on several key variables. Understanding these factors is crucial for negotiating your worth and planning your career trajectory.
### Level of Education
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is the standard educational requirement. While a master’s degree can provide a competitive edge and a potential salary bump, especially for specialized roles like machine learning or data science, it is not always necessary. More impactful are certifications in high-demand areas like AWS/Azure cloud platforms, cybersecurity, or specific enterprise software like SAP.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary. Compensation scales directly with your proven ability to deliver results.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Engineers new to the field can expect to earn at the lower end of the range, likely between $90,000 and $105,000. The focus here is on learning the company's tech stack and contributing to well-defined projects.
- Mid-Level (3-7 years): With several years of experience, engineers can operate more independently and take ownership of complex features. Their salaries typically align with the company average, from $105,000 to $125,000.
- Senior/Lead (8+ years): Senior engineers are expected to lead projects, mentor junior developers, and architect complex systems. Their deep expertise commands the highest salaries, often exceeding $130,000 - $140,000+.
### Geographic Location
The J.M. Smucker Co. is headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, which has a significantly lower cost of living than major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York City. A salary of $115,000 in Orrville provides far greater purchasing power than a $150,000 salary in a high-cost-of-living area. This is a critical factor to consider when evaluating an offer—your take-home value is substantially higher. For remote positions, the company may adjust salary bands based on the employee's location.
### Company Type
When comparing compensation, it's vital to look at the industry. While a tech giant like Google or a Wall Street firm might offer higher absolute numbers, J.M. Smucker's salaries are highly competitive within the CPG and manufacturing industries. The trade-off often involves better work-life balance, job stability, and the aforementioned cost-of-living advantages compared to high-pressure tech environments.
### Area of Specialization
Not all software engineering roles are paid equally. Expertise in high-demand areas can lead to a significant salary premium. At a company like Smucker, valuable specializations include:
- Data Engineering & Big Data: Skills in Python, SQL, Spark, and data warehousing are critical for business intelligence.
- Cloud Computing: Expertise in AWS or Azure is essential as companies migrate infrastructure to the cloud.
- ERP Systems: Deep knowledge of platforms like SAP is highly valued in large corporations for managing core business operations.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive company and customer data is a top priority, making security specialists indispensable.
Job Outlook
The future for software engineers is exceptionally bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The BLS also reports that the national median pay for software developers was $130,160 per year in May 2022. This robust market growth ensures that skills in software engineering will remain in high demand across all industries, including CPG, for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
A career as a software engineer at The J.M. Smucker Co. represents a compelling opportunity for tech professionals seeking both challenging work and a stable, rewarding career.
Key Takeaways:
- Competitive Compensation: With an average salary in the $115,000 range and potential for over $140,000 with experience, the pay is strong.
- High Value: When adjusted for the lower cost of living near its Ohio headquarters, the real value of a Smucker salary is significantly enhanced compared to roles in major tech cities.
- Growth and Stability: The role is situated within a stable industry and is backed by a profession with an outstanding growth outlook projected by the BLS.
- Impactful Work: You will apply your technical skills to solve tangible business problems, directly impacting the operations of a beloved American brand.
For those looking to build a career in technology outside of the typical tech-bubble, exploring opportunities at a company like J.M. Smucker is a smart and potentially very profitable move.