Industrial Engineers

SOC code 17-2112 · O*NET-SOC 17-2112.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Industrial Engineers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$102,440

a year

Hourly

$49.25

per hour

10th$74,370Median$102,44090th$159,860

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$109,900

$52.84 per hour

Middle 50%

$83,600 – $129,250

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$74,370 – $159,860

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

365,740

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $74,370; $35.76/hr
25th percentile: $83,600; $40.19/hr
Median percentile: $102,440; $49.25/hr
75th percentile: $129,250; $62.14/hr
90th percentile: $159,860; $76.85/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+11%

Growing much faster than average

351,100

jobs in 2024

389,600

projected for 2034

About 38,500 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does an industrial engineer do?

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.

How to become an industrial engineer

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree59%
Some College Courses16%
Master's Degree11%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)8%

Common questions

How much does an industrial engineer earn?

The national median is $102,440 a year. The full range runs from $74,370 at the 10th percentile to $159,860 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an industrial engineer without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is industrial engineer in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 11% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.4/5
Production and Processing4.3/5
Mechanical4.2/5
Design4.1/5
English Language4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Administration and Management3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis.