Industrial Engineer Salary
by City (2026)
Optimize complex processes, systems, and organizations to eliminate waste and increase efficiency. National median: $96K/year. See how your city compares.
Industrial Engineer salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $96K Industrial Engineer salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βIndustrial Engineer Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Industrial Engineer is $96,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $72,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $124,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Industrial Engineers nationally earn $158,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering. This role is 30% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Industrial Engineer compensation is growing at 3.5% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Industrial Engineer salary FAQ
How much does a Industrial Engineer make?
The median Industrial Engineer salary in the US is $96,000 per year β about $46/hour. Most earn between $72,000 (25th percentile) and $124,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Industrial Engineer?
Entry-level Industrial Engineer positions typically start around $72,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Industrial Engineers earn?
The top 10% of Industrial Engineers earn $158,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Industrial Engineers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Industrial Engineer salary at $139K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Industrial Engineer salaries going up?
Yes β Industrial Engineer pay is growing about 3.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.