As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Industrial Engineer in the United States is $77,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Entry Industrial Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Industrial Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Industrial Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Industrial Engineer | 0-2 years | $77,610 |
| Industrial Research Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,727 |
| Industrial Research Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,131 |
| Industrial Research Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,327 |
| Expert Industrial Engineer | 7-10 years | $147,599 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Industrial Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.85% |
| Linux | 1.95% |
| Supply Chain | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Azure
|
$86,247 |
11%
|
|
DevOps
|
$85,470 |
10%
|
|
Agile
|
$84,693 |
9%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$83,139 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$82,362 |
6%
|
|
Python
|
$81,585 |
5%
|
Entry Industrial Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $86,981. While startup companies pay approximate $73,584.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $73,584 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $77,823 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $83,995 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $86,981 |
For Entry Industrial Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Entry Industrial Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Industrial Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $116,550 | $56.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Industrial Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Industrial Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $73,916 and $77,991).
Entry Industrial Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 65.8% |
| Masters | 28.7% |
| Doctorate | 2.7% |
Understanding how an Entry Industrial Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Industrial Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioning & Start-up Engineer II | $95,400 | 23% |
| Industrial Research Engineer II | $95,800 | 23% |
Salaries for an Entry Industrial Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,502 in 2023 to around $71,004 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Industrial Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $71,502 |
| 2024 | $71,291 |
| 2025 | $71,004 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Industrial Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The lowest paid type of engineer varies, but entry-level positions in fields like Biological Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and General Engineering often have lower salaries. For instance, an Entry Industrial Engineer has a salary range from $72,100 to $86,100, with a midpoint of $79,100, reflecting the competitive nature of engineering salaries.
While entry-level industrial engineers typically earn between $72,100 and $86,100 annually, more experienced professionals can indeed reach six-figure salaries. The best positions in the field can pay significantly higher, with top salaries reaching up to $167,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
The lowest salary for an Entry Industrial Engineer is $72,100. While salaries can vary widely, the majority typically range from $79,100 (midpoint) to $86,100 (maximum). This reflects the current market trends for industrial engineering positions.
A career in industrial engineering is indeed worth it. With a competitive salary range for entry-level positions between $72,100 and $86,100, and a projected job growth of 12% through 2032, translating to approximately 38,400 new jobs, the field offers both financial rewards and a promising future.
Yes, Engineer I is classified as an entry-level position. The salary for an Entry Industrial Engineer typically ranges from $72,100 to $86,100, with a midpoint of $79,100. This reflects the starting compensation for individuals beginning their careers in this field.
As of now, the salary for an Entry Industrial Engineer in the United States ranges from $72,100 to $86,100 annually, with a median salary of $79,100. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, offering a solid starting point for new graduates entering the workforce.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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