Industrial engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$101,140
~$49/hr · ~$8,428/mo
US Jobs
351K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Industrial engineering is heavily focused on data analysis, systems design, and process optimization—tasks where AI and machine learning excel. While the role requires physical site visits and human collaboration to understand workflows, the core work product is digital analysis and modeling, making the occupation highly susceptible to significant productivity gains and restructuring through AI-driven automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WVBEST VALUE | $141,900 | Below avg (89.1) | $159,334 |
| Anchorage, AK | $166,350 | Above avg (106.8) | $155,801 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $139,130 | Below avg (91.2) | $152,565 |
| Midland, TX | $137,110 | Below avg (95.4) | $143,747 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $126,530 | Below avg (88.9) | $142,253 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $127,350 | Below avg (91.2) | $139,588 |
| Monroe, LA | $115,080 | Below avg (83.6) | $137,583 |
| Billings, MT | $123,590 | Below avg (90.3) | $136,790 |
| Pocatello, ID | $120,290 | Below avg (88.6) | $135,780 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $123,270 | Below avg (90.8) | $135,775 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $115,050 | Below avg (85.6) | $134,443 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $125,480 | Below avg (93.6) | $134,021 |
| Boise City, ID | $125,940 | Below avg (94.2) | $133,632 |
| Lafayette, LA | $115,220 | Below avg (87.6) | $131,600 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $132,020 | Average (102.7) | $128,523 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+11% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$49/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,428/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)