Industrial Engineer Salary in California
Based on 33K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$124,600
$59.90/hr
vs National Average
$106,510
+17.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $173K
33K employed in California
Industrial engineers in California earn a median salary of $124,600 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 17%. With approximately 32,680 industrial engineers employed across the state, California represents a substantial hub for this profession. Salaries in the field typically range from $77,900 to $172,870 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence industrial engineer salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specialized expertise in areas like automation or lean manufacturing also play important roles. Additionally, the state's high cost of living and concentration of advanced manufacturing and technology sectors contribute to the overall compensation levels exceeding national benchmarks.
Salary Distribution — Industrial Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,900 |
| 25th percentile | $98,380 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,600 |
| 75th percentile | $154,190 |
| 90th percentile | $172,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Industrial Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Industrial Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Industrial Engineers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $141,220 | 2K |
| Information | $131,410 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,520 | 15K |
| Utilities | $125,250 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $125,240 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Industrial Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,180 |
| 2023 | $111,770 |
| 2024 | $123,070 |
| 2025 | $124,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,149 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,180 | $93,869 |
| 2023 | $111,770 | $99,283 |
| 2024 | $123,070 | $104,330 |
| 2025 | $124,600 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,149 | $107,834 |
Industrial Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,380 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $154,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,870 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Industrial Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Industrial Engineer ($124,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Industrial Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +68.8% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +38.4% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +26.5% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +15.6% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +15.2% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +5.1% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | +4.7% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | +3.1% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | +3.0% | $61.69/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -1.7% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -11.2% | $53.22/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in CA | $124,510 | -0.1% | $59.86/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in California?
- Industrial engineers in California earn a median salary of $124,600 per year, or $60 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 17.0% increase compared to industrial engineers working across the United States.
What is the salary range for industrial engineers in California?
- Industrial engineer salaries in California range from $77,900 at the lower end to $172,870 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and specific industry sectors.
Is California a good state for industrial engineer salaries?
- Yes, California offers industrial engineers a 17.0% salary premium over the national average, with a median of $124,600 annually. With approximately 32,680 industrial engineers employed in the state, it represents a strong job market for this profession.
How many industrial engineers work in California?
- There are 32,680 industrial engineers currently employed in California. This substantial workforce reflects the state's robust manufacturing, aerospace, and technology sectors that heavily utilize industrial engineering expertise.