Industrial Engineer Salary in 2026
Industrial engineers optimize complex systems and processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They work in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries.
Median Salary
$102,440
$8,537/mo
Entry Level
$72,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$137,700
experienced
Job Growth
+10%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112) at a national median of $102,440 per year (mean $109,900), or $49.25 per hour, with 365,740 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Industrial Engineer Overview
Industrial engineers optimize complex systems and processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They work in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
366K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$49.25/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,537
Industrial Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Industrial Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Industrial Engineer Salary
$116,000
$9,667/month · $4,462/biweekly · $55.77/hr
Industrial Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Industrial Engineer field.
Entry-level Industrial Engineers earn around $72,700, while the top 10% earn $147,050 or more.
Top Paying States for Industrial Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $121,000 | +$18,560 |
| Texas | $100,000 | $-2,440 |
| Georgia | $99,000 | $-3,440 |
| Michigan | $97,000 | $-5,440 |
| Ohio | $97,000 | $-5,440 |
Top Paying Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $115,000 | +$12,560 |
| Houston | $101,000 | $-1,440 |
| Atlanta | $100,000 | $-2,440 |
| Detroit | $97,000 | $-5,440 |
| Columbus | $96,000 | $-6,440 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Industrial Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Industrial Engineer from entry level to expert.
$72,700
0-2 years
$105,000
3-7 years
$137,700
8-14 years
$156,400
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Industrial Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Industrial Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Industrial Engineer in the United States is $102,440 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112); the mean is $109,900. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $72,700, senior professionals around $137,700, and top earners at $156,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Industrial Engineer?
A Industrial Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization. Relevant certifications such as PE License or Six Sigma Black Belt can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Industrial Engineers?
The job market for Industrial Engineers is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 366K Industrial Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Industrial Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Industrial Engineers include Michigan, Texas, California. In Michigan, the median salary is approximately $97,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Industrial Engineer salary?
To increase your Industrial Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Detroit. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $72,700 to $137,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Industrial Engineer Salary
How we calculate Industrial Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $102,440, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Industrial Engineers; BLS mean $109,900; BLS hourly median $49.25.
- Entry-level ($72,700) and senior-level ($137,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +10% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 365,740 Industrial Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $102,440; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Industrial Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Industrial Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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