As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Industrial Engineer in the United States is $150,050 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Lead Industrial Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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 a Lead 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Industria... Level Lead Industrial Engineer | $113,438 |
| Industria... Level Lead Industrial Engineer | $126,783 |
| Lead Indu... Level Lead Industrial Engineer | $149,307 |
| Industria... Level Lead Industrial Engineer | $133,491 |
| Industria... Level Lead Industrial Engineer | $158,627 |
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 Lead Industrial Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.17% |
| Material Handling | 2.29% |
| AutoCAD | 1.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$181,561 |
21%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$172,558 |
15%
|
|
Manufacturing Engineering
|
$169,557 |
13%
|
|
Manufacturing Operations
|
$162,054 |
8%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$162,054 |
8%
|
|
Warehouse Management System
|
$159,053 |
6%
|
For Lead Industrial Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Lead Industrial Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead 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 | $195,065 | $94.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $187,562 | $90.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $180,060 | $87.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $172,558 | $83.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $168,056 | $81.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Industrial Engineers 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 a Lead Industrial Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $151,263 and $159,902).
Lead Industrial Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 48.1% |
| Masters | 44.4% |
| Doctorate | 5.6% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 September 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Industrial Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $152,286 in 2023 to around $152,031 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Industrial Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $152,286 |
| 2024 | $152,907 |
| 2025 | $152,031 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Industrial Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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