Industrial Engineer Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Training and Education
Education or job training for employees typically involves a bachelor's degree. At least 74% of industrial engineers had a degree of four or more years. About 19% of workers had some college below a bachelor's degree. An estimated 8% of employees had just a high-school diploma.
Job Overview
Industrial engineers determine the most effective methods for the use of materials, machines, employees, information and energy in factories, stores, offices and other environments. Industrial engineers focus on increasing productivity through effective management of workers, methods of business organization and technology. They may develop production planning and control systems to coordinate activities and to ensure the quality of products.
Job Requirements
Most entry-level industrial engineering jobs require a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. Some employers prefer applicants who have a master's degree in a related field and work experience, especially for advanced positions.
The Institute of Industrial Engineers provides certificates in specialties such as supply chain management, healthcare and project management.
Nature of Work
- Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards and cost analysis systems to efficiently utilize staff and facilities
- Determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements and production standards
- Consult with staff members, managers and vendors regarding procedures, purchases, manufacturing capabilities, product specifications and the status of projects
- Provide recommendations for improving the use of materials, personnel and utilities
Area Job Conditions
The cities with the most industrial engineers per capita are Decatur (Illinois), Saginaw (Michigan), and Battle Creek (Michigan), while the worst cities are Fresno (California), McAllen (Texas), and Honolulu (Hawaii).
The highest salaries for workers are in and around San Jose (California), Anchorage (Alaska), and Victoria (Texas). The lowest-paying areas are Harrisonburg (Virginia), Gulfport (Mississippi), and Cape Coral (Florida).
Part-Time and Self Employment
An estimated 2% of industrial engineers work part-time. An estimated 1% of workers were self-employed.
Career Videos
Industrial Engineers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston | $70,000 | 100 | +66% |
| Auburn | $77,000 | 80 | +38% |
| Birmingham | $72,000 | 480 | -35% |
| Decatur | $87,000 | 140 | +96% |
| Florence | $79,000 | 80 | +15% |
| Gadsden | $74,000 | 70 | +57% |
| Huntsville | $85,000 | 880 | +188% |
| Mobile | $75,000 | 140 | -46% |
| Montgomery | $73,000 | 170 | -28% |
| Tuscaloosa | $68,000 | 90 | -29% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $104,000 | 100 | -59% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $95,000 | 2,940 | +10% |
| Tucson | $87,000 | 1,170 | +129% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $67,000 | 240 | -20% |
| Fort Smith | $77,000 | 140 | -20% |
| Hot Springs | $72,000 | 30 | -35% |
| Jonesboro | $49,000 | 40 | -35% |
| Little Rock | $68,000 | 280 | -46% |
| Pine Bluff | $85,000 | 50 | +31% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $99,000 | 220 | -43% |
| Fresno | $80,000 | 190 | -60% |
| Hanford | $80,000 | 30 | -31% |
| Los Angeles | $89,000 | 5,530 | -10% |
| Modesto | $77,000 | 50 | -78% |
| Oakland | $94,000 | 1,370 | -10% |
| Oxnard | $82,000 | 290 | -35% |
| Riverside | $72,000 | 710 | -61% |
| Sacramento | $82,000 | 290 | -78% |
| San Diego | $79,000 | 1,560 | -22% |
| San Francisco | $100,000 | 930 | -38% |
| San Jose | $99,000 | 3,960 | +191% |
| San Luis Obispo | $75,000 | 30 | -77% |
| Santa Ana | $84,000 | 2,100 | -5% |
| Santa Barbara | $96,000 | 320 | +31% |
| Santa Rosa | $93,000 | 150 | -41% |
| Stockton | $82,000 | 110 | -64% |
| Vallejo | $80,000 | 50 | -71% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $92,000 | 430 | +94% |
| Colorado Springs | $83,000 | 400 | +7% |
| Denver | $85,000 | 1,290 | -32% |
| Fort Collins | $81,000 | 230 | +28% |
| Greeley | $78,000 | 200 | +101% |
| Pueblo | $87,000 | 50 | -35% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $80,000 | 820 | +28% |
| Danbury | $89,000 | 190 | +104% |
| Hartford | $77,000 | 1,420 | +63% |
| New Haven | $81,000 | 530 | +31% |
| Norwich | $77,000 | 80 | -54% |
| Waterbury | $80,000 | 50 | -46% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $79,000 | 90 | +31% |
| Wilmington | $90,000 | 750 | +54% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $92,000 | 1,660 | -55% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $52,000 | 100 | -65% |
| Deltona | $57,000 | 210 | -6% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $66,000 | 600 | -43% |
| Fort Walton Beach | $68,000 | 210 | +99% |
| Gainesville | $60,000 | 160 | -8% |
| Jacksonville | $68,000 | 720 | -21% |
| Lakeland | $60,000 | 210 | -24% |
| Miami | $63,000 | 750 | -50% |
| Naples | $63,000 | 40 | -75% |
| Ocala | $55,000 | 210 | +71% |
| Orlando | $66,000 | 1,440 | -7% |
| Palm Bay | $77,000 | 1,340 | +362% |
| Panama City | $66,000 | 30 | -68% |
| Pensacola | $67,000 | 150 | -30% |
| Port St Lucie | $61,000 | 110 | -35% |
| Sarasota | $65,000 | 240 | -34% |
| Tallahassee | $78,000 | 140 | -40% |
| Tampa | $67,000 | 1,810 | +4% |
| West Palm Beach | $79,000 | 640 | -18% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | $79,000 | 40 | -59% |
| Atlanta | $79,000 | 3,260 | -8% |
| Augusta | $90,000 | 560 | +85% |
| Columbus | $78,000 | 180 | +15% |
| Dalton | $71,000 | 100 | +8% |
| Gainesville | $71,000 | 70 | -27% |
| Macon | $83,000 | 70 | -45% |
| Savannah | $88,000 | 190 | -12% |
| Valdosta | $74,000 | 50 | -24% |
| Warner Robins | $80,000 | 80 | +12% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $87,000 | 50 | -92% |
Idaho
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $77,000 | 310 | -20% |
| Coeur Dalene | $64,000 | 40 | -41% |
| Idaho Falls | $115,000 | 50 | -19% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign | $68,000 | 40 | -72% |
| Chicago | $72,000 | 4,450 | -23% |
| Danville | $60,000 | 30 | -12% |
| Decatur | $77,000 | 140 | +134% |
| Peoria | $58,000 | 650 | +161% |
| Rockford | $72,000 | 230 | +13% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $66,000 | 40 | -18% |
| Bloomington | $65,000 | 200 | +109% |
| Columbus | $80,000 | 390 | +693% |
| Elkhart | $63,000 | 210 | +37% |
| Evansville | $70,000 | 270 | +8% |
| Fort Wayne | $69,000 | 380 | +27% |
| Gary | $77,000 | 460 | +15% |
| Indianapolis | $71,000 | 1,850 | +36% |
| Kokomo | $86,000 | 800 | +1493% |
| Lafayette | $69,000 | 140 | +34% |
| Michigan City | $69,000 | 70 | +31% |
| Muncie | $78,000 | 30 | -50% |
| South Bend | $67,000 | 170 | -8% |
| Terre Haute | $71,000 | 120 | +29% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $69,000 | 60 | +25% |
| Cedar Rapids | $71,000 | 310 | +55% |
| Davenport | $69,000 | 330 | +21% |
| Des Moines | $73,000 | 340 | -31% |
| Dubuque | $71,000 | 180 | +152% |
| Iowa City | $63,000 | 60 | -38% |
| Sioux City | $74,000 | 50 | -50% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $74,000 | 70 | -55% |
| Wichita | $74,000 | 750 | +75% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | $68,000 | 120 | +61% |
| Lexington | $60,000 | 790 | +122% |
| Louisville | $74,000 | 940 | +2% |
| Owensboro | $73,000 | 50 | -20% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $60,000 | 60 | -31% |
| Baton Rouge | $91,000 | 1,010 | +81% |
| Lafayette | $87,000 | 90 | -56% |
| Lake Charles | $91,000 | 80 | -35% |
| New Orleans | $78,000 | 510 | -36% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor | $76,000 | 30 | -64% |
| Lewiston | $64,000 | 60 | -10% |
| Portland | $76,000 | 280 | -5% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $88,000 | 1,430 | -28% |
| Bethesda | $91,000 | 310 | -65% |
| Cumberland | $75,000 | 130 | +174% |
| Hagerstown | $76,000 | 50 | -63% |
| Salisbury | $67,000 | 40 | -44% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $86,000 | 70 | -50% |
| Boston | $88,000 | 2,700 | +2% |
| Brockton | $71,000 | 50 | -60% |
| Framingham | $87,000 | 610 | +157% |
| Haverhill | $75,000 | 120 | +5% |
| Lawrence | $82,000 | 140 | +74% |
| Leominster | $81,000 | 60 | -9% |
| Lowell | $89,000 | 560 | +226% |
| New Bedford | $79,000 | 100 | +13% |
| Pittsfield | $72,000 | 80 | +95% |
| Springfield | $71,000 | 600 | +35% |
| Taunton | $88,000 | 100 | +70% |
| Worcester | $75,000 | 490 | +31% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $82,000 | 720 | +195% |
| Battle Creek | $82,000 | 340 | +393% |
| Bay City | $78,000 | 60 | +45% |
| Detroit | $84,000 | 4,710 | +364% |
| Flint | $89,000 | 240 | +28% |
| Grand Rapids | $71,000 | 1,490 | +163% |
| Holland | $69,000 | 770 | +467% |
| Jackson | $59,000 | 50 | -22% |
| Kalamazoo | $87,000 | 880 | +350% |
| Lansing | $76,000 | 440 | +51% |
| Monroe | $71,000 | 90 | +92% |
| Muskegon | $58,000 | 180 | +140% |
| Niles | $76,000 | 200 | +156% |
| Warren | $86,000 | 7,100 | +332% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $69,000 | 100 | -46% |
| Mankato | $62,000 | 60 | -21% |
| Minneapolis | $81,000 | 5,210 | +92% |
| Rochester | $83,000 | 100 | -31% |
| St Cloud | $63,000 | 80 | -41% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | $65,000 | 100 | -34% |
| Jackson | $65,000 | 190 | -50% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $71,000 | 80 | -28% |
| Jefferson City | $68,000 | 30 | -71% |
| Joplin | $63,000 | 260 | +137% |
| Kansas City | $77,000 | 980 | -37% |
| Springfield | $67,000 | 120 | -57% |
| St Joseph | $61,000 | 50 | -26% |
| St Louis | $81,000 | 1,890 | -7% |
Montana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $107,000 | 80 | -32% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $69,000 | 220 | -6% |
| Omaha | $73,000 | 410 | -42% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $73,000 | 310 | -76% |
| Reno | $72,000 | 90 | -68% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $78,000 | 150 | +2% |
| Nashua | $84,000 | 510 | +158% |
| Portsmouth | $77,000 | 150 | +93% |
| Rochester | $67,000 | 80 | +11% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $83,000 | 40 | -81% |
| Camden | $84,000 | 340 | -57% |
| Edison | $85,000 | 1,000 | -36% |
| Newark | $87,000 | 870 | -43% |
| Trenton | $77,000 | 160 | -52% |
| Vineland | $81,000 | 60 | -26% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $100,000 | 560 | -3% |
| Las Cruces | $62,000 | 40 | -54% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $82,000 | 360 | -47% |
| Buffalo | $76,000 | 920 | +10% |
| Elmira | $66,000 | 140 | +184% |
| Glens Falls | $73,000 | 150 | +115% |
| Ithaca | $71,000 | 50 | -6% |
| Kingston | $67,000 | 40 | -51% |
| Nassau | $83,000 | 940 | -51% |
| New York | $85,000 | 1,720 | -78% |
| Rochester | $75,000 | 1,490 | +95% |
| Syracuse | $72,000 | 460 | -2% |
| Utica | $68,000 | 150 | -16% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $71,000 | 340 | +31% |
| Burlington | $68,000 | 100 | +31% |
| Charlotte | $74,000 | 850 | -35% |
| Durham | $98,000 | 460 | +12% |
| Fayetteville | $83,000 | 80 | -56% |
| Goldsboro | $61,000 | 40 | -24% |
| Greensboro | $77,000 | 500 | -6% |
| Greenville | $79,000 | 50 | -46% |
| Hickory | $65,000 | 260 | +22% |
| Raleigh | $80,000 | 620 | -21% |
| Rocky Mount | $68,000 | 120 | +54% |
| Wilmington | $84,000 | 220 | +12% |
| Winston Salem | $70,000 | 480 | +54% |
North Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $74,000 | 220 | +26% |
| Grand Forks | $61,000 | 30 | -53% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $76,000 | 570 | +18% |
| Canton | $72,000 | 310 | +27% |
| Cincinnati | $74,000 | 1,930 | +25% |
| Cleveland | $73,000 | 2,000 | +28% |
| Columbus | $73,000 | 2,000 | +43% |
| Dayton | $78,000 | 830 | +44% |
| Lima | $80,000 | 180 | +158% |
| Mansfield | $65,000 | 110 | +59% |
| Sandusky | $74,000 | 80 | +80% |
| Springfield | $62,000 | 60 | -5% |
| Steubenville | $85,000 | 40 | -26% |
| Toledo | $72,000 | 520 | +18% |
| Youngstown | $74,000 | 270 | -19% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $68,000 | 480 | -45% |
| Tulsa | $70,000 | 500 | -23% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene | $81,000 | 50 | -75% |
| Medford | $63,000 | 30 | -72% |
| Portland | $84,000 | 1,910 | +23% |
| Salem | $58,000 | 70 | -68% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $87,000 | 570 | +10% |
| Altoona | $67,000 | 30 | -64% |
| Erie | $61,000 | 320 | +73% |
| Harrisburg | $73,000 | 440 | -8% |
| Lancaster | $74,000 | 330 | -5% |
| Lebanon | $81,000 | 80 | +34% |
| Philadelphia | $84,000 | 2,780 | -5% |
| Pittsburgh | $80,000 | 3,390 | +94% |
| Reading | $72,000 | 530 | +118% |
| Scranton | $68,000 | 230 | -41% |
| State College | $75,000 | 60 | -30% |
| Williamsport | $81,000 | 50 | -27% |
| York | $75,000 | 550 | +113% |
Rhode Island
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $82,000 | 610 | -28% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $77,000 | 350 | +362% |
| Charleston | $73,000 | 770 | +79% |
| Columbia | $75,000 | 550 | +5% |
| Florence | $72,000 | 160 | +45% |
| Greenville | $75,000 | 1,000 | +123% |
| Spartanburg | $69,000 | 340 | +106% |
| Sumter | $63,000 | 60 | +45% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $64,000 | 80 | -60% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $80,000 | 300 | -11% |
| Clarksville | $71,000 | 160 | +47% |
| Cleveland | $69,000 | 30 | -32% |
| Jackson | $66,000 | 80 | +1% |
| Johnson City | $65,000 | 110 | +11% |
| Kingsport | $72,000 | 170 | -2% |
| Knoxville | $75,000 | 420 | -16% |
| Memphis | $72,000 | 790 | -16% |
| Morristown | $58,000 | 80 | +33% |
| Nashville | $73,000 | 1,250 | +11% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $89,000 | 50 | -42% |
| Amarillo | $90,000 | 160 | +6% |
| Austin | $87,000 | 1,060 | -11% |
| Beaumont | $92,000 | 280 | +19% |
| Brownsville | $78,000 | 50 | -73% |
| Corpus Christi | $94,000 | 40 | -85% |
| Dallas | $82,000 | 3,850 | +20% |
| El Paso | $69,000 | 180 | -56% |
| Fort Worth | $80,000 | 2,270 | +73% |
| Houston | $93,000 | 4,210 | +5% |
| Killeen | $72,000 | 70 | -62% |
| Longview | $86,000 | 130 | -3% |
| Lubbock | $72,000 | 50 | -72% |
| Midland | $105,000 | 90 | +5% |
| San Antonio | $71,000 | 870 | -34% |
| Sherman | $81,000 | 50 | -7% |
| Waco | $78,000 | 180 | +27% |
| Wichita Falls | $86,000 | 50 | -33% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan | $71,000 | 40 | -36% |
| Ogden | $72,000 | 260 | -11% |
| Provo | $76,000 | 120 | -52% |
| Salt Lake City | $82,000 | 820 | -11% |
Vermont
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $79,000 | 190 | +19% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg | $64,000 | 180 | +118% |
| Charlottesville | $86,000 | 70 | -42% |
| Danville | $87,000 | 50 | +14% |
| Harrisonburg | $90,000 | 100 | +33% |
| Lynchburg | $71,000 | 250 | +79% |
| Richmond | $79,000 | 630 | -32% |
| Roanoke | $63,000 | 180 | -21% |
| Virginia Beach | $78,000 | 1,250 | +8% |
| Winchester | $66,000 | 80 | +21% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $95,000 | 70 | -31% |
| Bremerton | $88,000 | 80 | -31% |
| Kennewick | $91,000 | 310 | +119% |
| Longview | $86,000 | 60 | +43% |
| Seattle | $83,000 | 3,790 | +77% |
| Spokane | $66,000 | 130 | -57% |
| Tacoma | $80,000 | 110 | -72% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington | $73,000 | 90 | -45% |
| Parkersburg | 140 | +50% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $70,000 | 180 | +10% |
| Eau Claire | $63,000 | 120 | +18% |
| Fond | $73,000 | 130 | +133% |
| Green Bay | $69,000 | 240 | -2% |
| Janesville | $65,000 | 100 | +16% |
| La Crosse | $75,000 | 110 | +11% |
| Madison | $68,000 | 570 | +12% |
| Milwaukee | $71,000 | 1,720 | +36% |
| Oshkosh | $70,000 | 300 | +144% |
| Racine | $67,000 | 230 | +124% |
| Sheboygan | $70,000 | 210 | +179% |
| Wausau | $61,000 | 120 | +32% |
*FOOTNOTES: Job Facts salary and numbers data is based on US Department of Labor Statistics data for 2011. Other data on page may be from earlier years. Typical salary is given as median salary, where 50% in the job make more and 50% less. Salary range is Job Hunt's estimates of typical starting salary as being at the 10th percentile of reported pay and typical top end salary, for the most senior workers, as being at the 90th. Job openings is an estimate of new jobs every year due to growth plus those leaving the field. Where NA is given data is not available. Suggested studies is based on Job Hunt research, suggesting a minimum degree level that is judged to offer the best opportunities for entry-level employment. This Industrial Engineers schools and career page was originally researched by CityTownInfo.com.