Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Industrial Engineers

Median Salary
$99,282
Average (Mean)
$103,385
Employed Nationwide
332,690
VS

Materials Engineers

Median Salary
$99,580
Average (Mean)
$103,867
Employed Nationwide
23,240
Materials Engineers earns $297 more (0.3%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $99,282 $99,580
Average (Mean) Salary $103,385 $103,867
Total Employment 332,690 23,240
States with Higher Pay 22 21

Salary by State: Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers

Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Industrial Engineers pays more in 22 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 21.

State Industrial Engineers Materials Engineers Difference
Alabama $97,360
$103,940
$-6,580
Arizona $104,210
$129,190
$-24,980
Arkansas $93,220
$95,010
$-1,790
California $111,770
$118,270
$-6,500
Connecticut $99,420
$106,370
$-6,950
Delaware $114,250
$104,630
+$9,620
Florida $100,010
$95,350
+$4,660
Georgia $95,930
$82,200
+$13,730
Idaho $105,760
$95,470
+$10,290
Illinois $99,660
$98,060
+$1,600
Indiana $88,360
$95,140
$-6,780
Iowa $97,290
$92,240
+$5,050
Kansas $93,560
$93,150
+$410
Kentucky $84,980
$99,830
$-14,850
Louisiana $125,830
$99,860
+$25,970
Maine $98,100
$81,210
+$16,890
Maryland $107,260
$128,410
$-21,150
Massachusetts $104,120
$107,260
$-3,140
Michigan $98,340
$95,090
+$3,250
Minnesota $99,630
$95,540
+$4,090
Mississippi $85,540
$70,300
+$15,240
Missouri $92,120
$104,830
$-12,710
Montana $101,580
$72,380
+$29,200
Nebraska $86,790
$85,580
+$1,210
Nevada $108,380
$98,420
+$9,960
New Hampshire $99,780
$111,340
$-11,560
New Jersey $101,410
$101,300
+$110
New York $99,110
$95,390
+$3,720
North Carolina $94,040
$92,570
+$1,470
North Dakota $79,720
$91,440
$-11,720
Ohio $96,500
$101,620
$-5,120
Oklahoma $95,090
$80,880
+$14,210
Oregon $103,080
$126,340
$-23,260
Pennsylvania $84,530
$83,990
+$540
Rhode Island $105,410
$129,590
$-24,180
South Carolina $92,470
$96,210
$-3,740
Tennessee $92,830
$103,680
$-10,850
Texas $102,020
$109,280
$-7,260
Utah $102,770
$80,410
+$22,360
Virginia $98,600
$104,500
$-5,900
Washington $105,130
$125,090
$-19,960
West Virginia $100,230
$85,610
+$14,620
Wisconsin $81,750
$100,680
$-18,930

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Industrial Engineers or Materials Engineers?
On average across all states, a Materials Engineers earns more than a Industrial Engineers. The national median salary difference is $297 (0.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Industrial Engineers earn more than a Materials Engineers?
A Industrial Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Materials Engineers in 22 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Industrial Engineers is $99,282 per year, compared to $99,580 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Industrial Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 332,690 Industrial Engineers positions and 23,240 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Industrial Engineers or Materials Engineers?
Both Industrial Engineers and Materials Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.