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Industrial Engineers vs Mechanical 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

Mechanical Engineers

Median Salary
$105,415
Average (Mean)
$110,677
Employed Nationwide
291,190
Industrial Engineers earns $1,093 more (1.0%)
Industrial Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Industrial EngineersIndustrial EngineersIndustrial Engineers: $106,510$106,510Mechanical EngineersMechanical EngineersMechanical Engineers: $105,416$105,416

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $106,509 $105,415
Average (Mean) Salary $111,022 $110,677
Total Employment 365,720 291,190
States with Higher Pay 22 29

Salary by State: Industrial Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers

Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Industrial Engineers pays more in 22 states; Mechanical Engineers pays more in 29.

State Industrial Engineers Mechanical Engineers Difference
Alabama $99,880
$100,230
$-350
Alaska $156,510
$124,340
+$32,170
Arizona $108,280
$100,270
+$8,010
Arkansas $98,410
$80,180
+$18,230
California $124,600
$130,900
$-6,300
Colorado $109,750
$124,430
$-14,680
Connecticut $104,160
$105,090
$-930
Delaware $120,190
$125,130
$-4,940
District of Columbia $103,300
$133,300
$-30,000
Florida $101,610
$99,980
+$1,630
Georgia $100,100
$100,620
$-520
Hawaii $123,800
$98,740
+$25,060
Idaho $100,840
$93,190
+$7,650
Illinois $100,540
$102,680
$-2,140
Indiana $97,480
$99,590
$-2,110
Iowa $97,690
$97,700
$-10
Kansas $99,830
$86,260
+$13,570
Kentucky $96,820
$101,050
$-4,230
Louisiana $122,920
$119,540
+$3,380
Maine $101,030
$102,430
$-1,400
Maryland $119,930
$122,870
$-2,940
Massachusetts $109,420
$119,300
$-9,880
Michigan $101,680
$104,890
$-3,210
Minnesota $102,660
$99,140
+$3,520
Mississippi $95,830
$98,000
$-2,170
Missouri $99,290
$99,330
$-40
Montana $104,430
$94,190
+$10,240
Nebraska $98,170
$88,060
+$10,110
Nevada $102,090
$102,680
$-590
New Hampshire $101,310
$103,660
$-2,350
New Jersey $103,840
$112,300
$-8,460
New Mexico $128,090
$157,710
$-29,620
New York $102,640
$102,440
+$200
North Carolina $99,310
$100,720
$-1,410
North Dakota $96,940
$86,330
+$10,610
Ohio $100,060
$99,100
+$960
Oklahoma $97,510
$101,850
$-4,340
Oregon $128,290
$103,470
+$24,820
Pennsylvania $99,560
$97,920
+$1,640
Rhode Island $109,350
$116,230
$-6,880
South Carolina $101,060
$104,580
$-3,520
South Dakota $93,200
$88,380
+$4,820
Tennessee $99,080
$99,550
$-470
Texas $104,560
$112,410
$-7,850
Utah $103,940
$102,500
+$1,440
Vermont $103,010
$107,330
$-4,320
Virginia $102,550
$104,180
$-1,630
Washington $129,050
$110,430
+$18,620
West Virginia $108,360
$97,390
+$10,970
Wisconsin $96,980
$95,870
+$1,110
Wyoming $122,070
$117,750
+$4,320

Explore This Comparison by State

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Industrial Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
On average across all states, a Industrial Engineers earns more than a Mechanical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $1,093 (1.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Industrial Engineers earn more than a Mechanical Engineers?
A Industrial Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Mechanical Engineers in 22 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mechanical Engineers pays more in 29 states.
What is the median salary for a Industrial Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Industrial Engineers is $106,509 per year, compared to $105,415 for a Mechanical Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Industrial Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 365,720 Industrial Engineers positions and 291,190 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Industrial Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
Both Industrial Engineers and Mechanical 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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