Industrial Engineer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Industrial Engineers earn a national median of $101,140/yr with 11% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Engineering and Technology, Production and Processing, Design.
Median Salary
$101,140
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
11%
Faster than average
Employed Nationally
350,230
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Industrial Engineer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Industrial Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Industrial Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Industrial Engineer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 11% for Industrial Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 350,230
- Projected Growth
- 11%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Industrial Engineer roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Inc | $121,242 | 87 |
| Eli Lilly and Company | $120,000 | 3 |
| Pfizer Inc | $99,412 | 2 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Industrial Engineer do?
- Industrial Engineers apply expertise in Engineering and Technology, Production and Processing, Design to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking.
- How much does a Industrial Engineer make?
- The national median salary for a Industrial Engineer is $101,140 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Industrial Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Industrial Engineer roles is projected to grow 11% over the 2024–2034 decade — faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 350,230 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Industrial Engineer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Industrial Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Industrial Engineers need?
- The most important skills for Industrial Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Writing, Monitoring, Mathematics, Active Learning, Systems Evaluation. Key tools and technologies include: Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Python.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.