How to Become a Biofuels Production Manager in 2026

    Median salary: $121,440 · +1.9% projected growth (2024–2034)

    O*NET Code: 11-3051.03 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026
    Median Salary
    $121,440
    annual wage
    Job Growth
    +1.9%
    projected 2024–2034
    Education
    Bachelor's degree
    typical entry
    AI Exposure
    57/100
    exposure score
    Section 01

    What does a Biofuels Production Manager do?

    Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

    Section 02

    Biofuels Production Manager Salary in 2026

    The median annual salary for Biofuels Production Managers is $121,440. The bottom 10% earn around $74,900 while the top 10% earn over $197,310.

    Experience levelAnnual salary
    Entry-level (P10)$74,900
    Early career (P25)$94,620
    Median$121,440
    Experienced (P75)$156,330
    Top earners (P90)$197,310
    10th: $74,900Median: $121,44090th: $197,310

    Highest-paying metros

    Manchester-Nashua, NH
    Highest paying
    $170,200
    top metro salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    $169,930
    $-270 vs highest
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    $163,190
    $-7,010 vs highest
    Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area
    $161,720
    $-8,480 vs highest
    Trenton-Princeton, NJ
    $159,110
    $-11,090 vs highest
    Wyoming
    $155,670
    $-14,530 vs highest
    Napa, CA
    $154,990
    $-15,210 vs highest
    Baton Rouge, LA
    $154,800
    $-15,400 vs highest

    Biofuels Production Manager salary by state

    StateMedian salary
    Wyomingtop$155,670
    District of Columbia$152,220
    New Jersey$145,080
    Delaware$142,790
    Washington$139,260
    Massachusetts$138,600
    New Hampshire$138,090
    Colorado$137,490
    Louisiana$133,050
    Connecticut$131,840
    California$129,160
    Arizona$128,870
    New York$128,650
    Texas$127,840
    South Carolina$125,490
    Hawaii$125,030
    Georgia$124,280
    Virginia$123,060
    Kansas$122,700
    New Mexico$122,310
    Illinois$120,320
    Montana$119,990
    North Carolina$119,270
    Wisconsin$117,720
    Arkansas$116,670
    Minnesota$116,320
    Rhode Island$116,260
    Alabama$115,470
    Maine$115,090
    North Dakota$113,800
    Michigan$111,130
    Mississippi$109,990
    Florida$109,040
    Oklahoma$108,720
    Utah$108,370
    West Virginia$107,480
    Oregon$106,390
    Tennessee$106,360
    Pennsylvania$106,220
    Nevada$106,170
    Vermont$106,150
    Missouri$106,120
    South Dakota$105,820
    Indiana$105,320
    Kentucky$105,230
    Iowa$104,920
    Alaska$103,850
    Ohio$103,230
    Nebraska$102,670
    Idaho$101,830

    How to earn more as a Biofuels Production Manager

    The salary range for Biofuels Production Managers spans $122,410 — from $74,900 at entry level to $197,310 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Manchester-Nashua, NH at $170,200 — $48,760 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.

    Section 03

    How to get there

    Typical education: Bachelor's degree
    Work experience: 5 years or more

    Starting from high school

    1. Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
    2. Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
    3. 5 years or more
    4. Continue professional development and earn certifications
    5. Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements

    Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.

    4–6 years $20K–$100K

    In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.

    With a related degree

    1. Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
    2. Earn professional certifications (PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, industry-specific leadership certifications)
    3. 5 years or more
    4. Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience

    Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.

    1–3 years $5K–$30K

    Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.

    Career change from another field

    1. Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
    2. Earn required professional certifications
    3. Complete supervised work experience or residency
    4. Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile

    Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.

    2–4 years $15K–$60K

    Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.

    Already working in another career?

    See how your skills transfer to Biofuels Production Manager — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

    See how your skills transfer — free
    Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data
    Section 06

    AI and automation outlook

    57/100

    The Biofuels Production Manager role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

    See full AI risk breakdown
    Section 07

    Related careers to consider

    Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Biofuels Production Manager.

    Get your personalized Biofuels Production Manager transition plan

    Includes step-by-step roadmap, skill gap analysis, financial feasibility, and salary comparison by city. Takes 2 minutes.

    Get my personalized plan
    Step-by-step roadmap Skill gap breakdown Financial feasibility Salary by city
    Section 08

    Frequently asked questions

    SOC: 11-3051.03 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034