Industrial Engineers vs Nuclear 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

Nuclear Engineers

Median Salary
$126,301
Average (Mean)
$126,567
Employed Nationwide
9,440
Nuclear Engineers earns $27,018 more (27.2%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $99,282 $126,301
Average (Mean) Salary $103,385 $126,567
Total Employment 332,690 9,440
States with Higher Pay 0 20

Salary by State: Industrial Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers

Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Industrial Engineers pays more in 0 states; Nuclear Engineers pays more in 20.

State Industrial Engineers Nuclear Engineers Difference
Alabama $97,360
$129,460
$-32,100
District of Columbia $102,210
$174,390
$-72,180
Florida $100,010
$120,190
$-20,180
Illinois $99,660
$121,550
$-21,890
Maryland $107,260
$127,070
$-19,810
Michigan $98,340
$125,130
$-26,790
Missouri $92,120
$124,160
$-32,040
New Mexico $107,710
$132,320
$-24,610
New York $99,110
$128,200
$-29,090
North Carolina $94,040
$116,020
$-21,980
Ohio $96,500
$120,290
$-23,790
Oregon $103,080
$137,530
$-34,450
Pennsylvania $84,530
$126,530
$-42,000
South Carolina $92,470
$104,270
$-11,800
Tennessee $92,830
$132,320
$-39,490
Texas $102,020
$124,610
$-22,590
Utah $102,770
$134,740
$-31,970
Virginia $98,600
$108,990
$-10,390
Washington $105,130
$116,100
$-10,970
Wisconsin $81,750
$122,160
$-40,410

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Industrial Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
On average across all states, a Nuclear Engineers earns more than a Industrial Engineers. The national median salary difference is $27,018 (27.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Industrial Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers?
The national median salary for a Industrial Engineers is $99,282 per year, compared to $126,301 for a Nuclear Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Industrial Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 332,690 Industrial Engineers positions and 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Industrial Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
Both Industrial Engineers and Nuclear 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.