As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Engineer I in the United States is $77,622 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Industrial Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Industrial Engineer I'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 Industrial Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineer I | 0-2 years | $77,622 |
| Industrial Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,712 |
| Industrial Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,107 |
| Industrial Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,320 |
| Industrial Engineer V | 7-10 years | $147,617 |
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 Industrial Engineer Is. 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
|
$86,160 |
11%
|
|
DevOps
|
$85,384 |
10%
|
|
Agile
|
$84,608 |
9%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$83,056 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$82,279 |
6%
|
|
Python
|
$81,503 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Industrial Engineer Is 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 Industrial Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $74,205 and $78,293).
Industrial Engineer I 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 Industrial Engineer I'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Industrial Engineer I, 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 Engineer II | $95,399 | 23% |
| Industrial Engineer II | $95,712 | 23% |
Salaries for an Industrial Engineer I 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 Industrial Engineer I 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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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Industrial Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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An Industrial Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Industrial Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Industrial Engineer I is $97,905.
The highest pay for Industrial Engineer I is $91,221.
The lowest pay for Industrial Engineer I is $65,034.
Designs industrial equipment and machine layouts to optimize production activities, minimize costs, and ensure products meet quality standards. Develops and maintains manufacturing routes for maximizing space, efficiency, and effectiveness, ensuring full utilization of resources. Collaborates with production teams to understand processes and identify best practices and sequence of operations. Utilizes simulation and modeling tools to statistically analyze and test process changes. Ensures compliance with industry safety standards and design guidelines. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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