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Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does an Industrial Research Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Research Engineer IV in the United States is $125,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, an Industrial Research Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $145,651
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $114,300 to $136,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,194
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View as table View as graph 25% $114,300 10% $104,194 90% $145,651 75% $136,000 $125,400 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $136,000 $11,333 $2,615 $65
Average $125,400 $10,450 $2,412 $60
25th Percentile $114,300 $9,525 $2,198 $55
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Key Factors That Influence Industrial Research Engineer IV Salaries

An Industrial Research Engineer IV'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.

How Experience Level Affects Industrial Research Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Industrial Research Engineer IV'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:

  • 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
  • Industrial Operations Research Manager (10+ years): $131,958
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Industrial Research Engineer II2-4 years$95,727
Industrial Research Engineer III4-7 years$112,131
Industrial Research Engineer IV7+ years$125,327
Expert Industrial Engineer7-10 years$147,599
Industrial Operations Research Manager10+ years$131,958
$95,727 Industria...
$112,131 Industria...
$125,327 Industria...
$147,599 Expert In...
$131,958 Industria...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Industrial Research Engineer IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $158,100
  • San Francisco: $156,400
  • Oakland: $153,100

What Skills Can Increase an Industrial Research Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.17% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Material Handling (Mentioned in 2.31% Job Postings): Material handling involves short-distance movement within the confines of a building or between a building and a transportation vehicle. It uses a wide range of manual, semi-automated, and automated equipment and includes consideration of the protection, storage, and control of materials throughout their manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Material handling can be used to create time and place utility through the handling, storage, and control of material, as distinct from manufacturing, which creates form utility by changing the shape, form, and makeup of material.
  • Cost Analysis (Mentioned in 1.08% Job Postings): Examining and comparing the estimated costs and potential earnings from a situation or project to evaluate the potential revenue of the organization.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.17%
Material Handling 2.31%
Cost Analysis 1.08%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Industrial Research Engineer IV's salary.
  • Team Operations: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Operations
$139,194
11%
Organizational Skills
$135,432
8%
Scheduling
$132,924
6%
Presentation
$132,924
6%
Analysis
$131,670
5%
PowerPoint
$129,162
3%
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Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Industrial Research Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $140,378. While startup companies pay approximate $118,757.

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$118,757
Growth Stage51~500$125,599
Established501~5000$135,560
Enterprise5000+$140,378

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Industrial Research Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Industrial Research Engineer positions in Healthcare or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Industrial Research Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Industrial Research Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$150,480$72.020%
Insurance$144,210$69.015%
Pharmaceuticals$140,448$68.012%
Biotechnology$137,940$66.010%
MFG Nondurable$135,432$65.08%

How Education impacts an Industrial Research Engineer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Industrial Research Engineer IVs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Industrial Research Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $127,857 and $135,939).

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Industrial Research Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 0.8%
Associates 49.6%
Bachelors 44.7%
Masters 49.6%
Doctorate 4.9%
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Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Industrial Research Engineer IV'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, 2026

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Industrial Research Engineer IV, 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.

Industrial Research Engineer IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Commissioning & Start-up Engineering Manager $119,800 -4%
Expert Industrial Engineer $147,600 18%

Salary Trends for Industrial Research Engineer IV

Salaries for an Industrial Research Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,990 in 2023 to around $125,863 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Industrial Research Engineer IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Industrial Research Engineer IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$125,990
2024
$126,707
2025
$125,863
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $125,990
2024 $126,707
2025 $125,863
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Industrial Research Engineer IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Industrial Research Engineer IV

Here are companies hiring for Industrial Research Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Industrial Research Engineer IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Industrial Research Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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    CDL

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Industrial Research Engineer IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Industrial Research Engineer IV?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Industrial Research Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can industrial engineers make 6 figures?

Yes, industrial engineers can make six figures. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary for an Industrial Research Engineer is $120,700, with a mid-range salary of $135,400 and a maximum salary reaching $150,600. These figures demonstrate that a career in this field can indeed lead to substantial earnings.

3. What is the highest salary in R&D?

The highest salary that an Industrial Research Engineer can earn is $150,600 per year, which translates to approximately $12,550 per month.

4. How much does a PhD in Industrial Engineering make?

According to salary data for an Industrial Research Engineer, the minimum salary is $120,700, the mid-salary is $135,400, and the maximum salary is $150,600. Factors such as location, years of experience, and number of direct reports can influence these figures. For a more tailored estimate, consider exploring additional resources.

5. What is the highest paying job in research?

High Paying Research Jobs include Research Director with salaries ranging from $135,500 to $229,000 per year, and Research Scientist earning between $107,500 and $173,000. An Industrial Research Engineer has a salary range of $120,700 to $150,600, making it a lucrative option in the research field. Other roles like Principal Scientist and Quantitative Analyst also offer competitive salaries.

6. Which engineering is highest paid in USA?

Among engineering fields, Industrial Research Engineers are notably well-compensated, with salaries ranging from $120,700 to $150,600. This positions them competitively within the highest-paying engineering jobs in the USA, alongside roles like Petroleum and Aerospace Engineers, which also offer lucrative salaries.

7. What is the salary of a research engineer in the US?

As of now, the salary for an Industrial Research Engineer in the United States ranges from $120,700 to $150,600 annually, with a median salary of $135,400. This translates to approximately $58.00 to $72.30 per hour, or $2,300 to $2,900 per week, and $9,800 to $12,500 per month, reflecting the competitive nature of this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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