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Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Industrial Engineers

Median Salary
$106,509
Average (Mean)
$111,022
Employed Nationwide
365,720
VS

Materials Engineers

Median Salary
$108,867
Average (Mean)
$113,824
Employed Nationwide
22,470
Materials Engineers earns $2,357 more (2.2%)
Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Industrial EngineersIndustrial EngineersIndustrial Engineers: $106,510$106,510Materials EngineersMaterials EngineersMaterials Engineers: $108,868$108,868

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $106,509 $108,867
Average (Mean) Salary $111,022 $113,824
Total Employment 365,720 22,470
States with Higher Pay 17 28

Salary by State: Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers

Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Industrial Engineers pays more in 17 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 28.

State Industrial Engineers Materials Engineers Difference
Alabama $99,880
$107,580
$-7,700
Alaska $156,510
$123,360
+$33,150
Arizona $108,280
$106,810
+$1,470
Arkansas $98,410
$103,900
$-5,490
California $124,600
$128,470
$-3,870
Colorado $109,750
$124,030
$-14,280
Connecticut $104,160
$122,300
$-18,140
Delaware $120,190
$131,320
$-11,130
Florida $101,610
$118,780
$-17,170
Georgia $100,100
$100,840
$-740
Idaho $100,840
$105,820
$-4,980
Illinois $100,540
$126,620
$-26,080
Indiana $97,480
$101,120
$-3,640
Iowa $97,690
$64,270
+$33,420
Kansas $99,830
$100,000
$-170
Kentucky $96,820
$100,620
$-3,800
Louisiana $122,920
$128,670
$-5,750
Maine $101,030
$97,110
+$3,920
Maryland $119,930
$140,640
$-20,710
Massachusetts $109,420
$114,100
$-4,680
Michigan $101,680
$94,050
+$7,630
Minnesota $102,660
$106,220
$-3,560
Mississippi $95,830
$78,700
+$17,130
Missouri $99,290
$98,860
+$430
Montana $104,430
$76,030
+$28,400
Nebraska $98,170
$98,270
$-100
Nevada $102,090
$99,010
+$3,080
New Hampshire $101,310
$101,290
+$20
New Jersey $103,840
$106,920
$-3,080
New Mexico $128,090
$165,600
$-37,510
New York $102,640
$125,900
$-23,260
North Carolina $99,310
$104,240
$-4,930
Ohio $100,060
$106,510
$-6,450
Oklahoma $97,510
$99,950
$-2,440
Oregon $128,290
$122,850
+$5,440
Pennsylvania $99,560
$98,030
+$1,530
Rhode Island $109,350
$87,180
+$22,170
South Carolina $101,060
$121,610
$-20,550
Tennessee $99,080
$91,940
+$7,140
Texas $104,560
$117,700
$-13,140
Utah $103,940
$88,080
+$15,860
Virginia $102,550
$116,720
$-14,170
Washington $129,050
$139,840
$-10,790
Wisconsin $96,980
$96,210
+$770
Wyoming $122,070
$110,970
+$11,100

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $2,357 (2.2%) based on 2025 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 17 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 28 states.
What is the median salary for a Industrial Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Industrial Engineers is $106,509 per year, compared to $108,867 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Industrial Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 365,720 Industrial Engineers positions and 22,470 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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