Industrial Engineer Salary & Career Insights

What is the average salary for an industrial engineer in the United States?

$99,380 per year

According to BLS.gov, the average salary for an industrial engineer in the United States is $99,380 annually. The lowest salary is $65,320 annually, and the highest is $142,220 annually.

Job Outlook & Work Environment

Job Outlook

🚀 336,600; estimated number of industrial engineer jobs. It is estimated that 40,900 new jobs will be added by 2033.

☀️ The projected job outlook for industrial engineers is 12%, which is much faster than average.

Work Environment

💼 Industrial engineers typically work in offices analyzing data or in factories or hospitals observing workers.

🏢 16% of industrial engineers work in transportation equipment manufacturing.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries

How Does an Industrial Engineer Salary Stack Up?

Patent attorneys earn a higher salary than industrial engineers, with an average annual income of $185,351. Patent agents also earn significantly more than industrial engineers, with an average salary of $130,168 compared to $99,380 for industrial engineers.

Passing the patent bar and transitioning into a career in patent law can earn an industrial engineer a significantly higher salary.

Top Industrial Engineer Salaries by Industry

IndustryAverage Salary
Libraries and Other Information Services$191,600
Accounting and Payroll Services$162,870
Other Pipeline Transportation$156,730
Oil and Gas Extraction$156,480
Software Publishers$137,590
Annual mean wages.

Salary by Industrial Engineer Industry

In the U.S., the average industrial engineer salary is $99,380.

Industrial engineers in the libraries and other information services industry earn the highest average salary at $191,600. Those working in accounting and payroll services receive an average salary of $162,870.

Other pipeline transportation and oil and gas extraction industries offer similar average salaries of $156,730 and $156,480, respectively, while software publishers provide an average salary of $137,590.

Experience & Education

Here are some typical daily activities of an industrial engineer:

  • Decision Making and Problem Solving — Evaluating information and analyzing outcomes to select the most effective solutions and address problems.
  • Working with Computers — Engaging with computer systems and software to program, develop applications, configure functions, input data, and process information.
  • Gathering Information — Observing, receiving, and acquiring data from all relevant sources.
  • Communication with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Sharing information with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates via phone, written forms, email, or in-person interactions.
  • Creative Thinking — Innovating by developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic endeavors.

Here are the typical skills you need to work as an industrial engineer:

  • Active Listening — Paying close attention to others, fully understanding their points, asking relevant questions when needed, and avoiding interruptions at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of various solutions, conclusions, or problem-solving approaches.
  • Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Detecting complex issues, examining related information, and developing, evaluating, and implementing solutions.
  • Speaking — Effectively conveying information to others through conversation.

Knowledge required to work as an industrial engineer:

  • Engineering and Technology — Understanding the practical application of engineering principles and technology, including using techniques, procedures, and equipment for designing and producing various goods and services.
  • Production and Processing — Familiarity with raw materials, production methods, quality control, cost management, and techniques for optimizing the efficient manufacture and distribution of products.
  • Mechanical — Insight into machines and tools, covering design, functionality, repair, and maintenance.
  • Design — Expertise in design techniques, tools, and principles to create precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • English Language — Proficiency in the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings and spellings, composition rules, and grammar.

Average Education

According to onetonline.org, 59% of industrial engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 16% have some college, and 11% have a Master’s degree.

Top Industrial Engineer Salaries by Location

Factors that Impact Pay

Industrial engineers in Anchorage, AK, earn the highest average salary at $151,220. Midland, TX, and Thibodaux, LA, follow with average salaries of $149,530 and $146,750, respectively. In California, San Jose offers an average salary of $142,550, while Vallejo provides $135,440.

Industrial engineers in Louisiana earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $126,520. California and Hawaii follow with average salaries of $120,960 and $120,150, respectively. Maryland and Wyoming offer average salaries of $118,460 and $118,160 for industrial engineers.

Take a look at the average industrial engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.

CityAverage Salary
Anchorage, AK$151,220
Midland, TX$149,530
Thibodaux, LA$146,750
San Jose, CA$142,550
Vallejo, CA$135,440
Annual mean wages.

Look at the average industrial engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.

StateAverage Salary
Louisiana$126,520
California$120,960
Hawaii$120,150
Maryland$118,460
Wyoming$118,160
Annual mean wages.

Related Careers

Patent Agent

Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.

Average of $130,168/year

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.

Average of $185,351/year

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.

Average of $99,510/year

Job Openings in the United States


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