Industrial Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 160+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$103,300
$49.66/hr
vs National Average
$106,510
-3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $154K
160 employed in District of Columbia
Industrial Engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $103,300 annually, with approximately 160 workers currently employed in this role. While this represents a solid income for the region, it falls about 3% below the national average. Salaries in this field range from $81,240 to $153,520, reflecting significant variation based on individual qualifications and career progression.
Several factors influence compensation for Industrial Engineers in the District of Columbia. Experience level, educational credentials, and industry specialization play major roles in determining individual earnings. Additionally, the cost of living in the DC metropolitan area and local market demand for industrial engineering expertise affect salary competitiveness. Engineers working for federal contractors or in specialized manufacturing sectors may command higher compensation than those in other industries.
Salary Distribution — Industrial Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,240 |
| 25th percentile | $89,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,300 |
| 75th percentile | $122,760 |
| 90th percentile | $153,520 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,420 |
| 2023 | $102,210 |
| 2024 | $118,960 |
| 2025 | $103,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,300 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $87,420 | $93,869 |
| 2023 | $102,210 | $99,283 |
| 2024 | $118,960 | $104,330 |
| 2025 | $103,300 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,300 | $106,510 |
Industrial Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $89,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,520 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Industrial Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Industrial Engineer ($103,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Industrial Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +89.0% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +79.3% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | +66.8% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | +52.6% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | +38.4% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | +29.0% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | +0.6% | $49.94/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -2.3% | $48.52/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in DC | $102,770 | -0.5% | $49.41/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in DC | $102,740 | -0.5% | $49.39/hr |
| Registered Nurse in DC | $102,540 | -0.7% | $49.30/hr |
| Producer and Director in DC | $104,270 | +0.9% | $50.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in Washington DC?
- Industrial engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $103,300 per year, or $50 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.0%, but still represents a solid middle-class income in the region.
What is the salary range for industrial engineers in DC?
- Industrial engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $81,240 at the lower end to $153,520 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific employer within the region.
Is the industrial engineer salary in DC higher or lower than the national average?
- Industrial engineer salaries in DC are 3.0% lower than the national average, with the median being $103,300 annually compared to the national median. Despite being slightly below average, DC still offers competitive compensation for this profession.
How many industrial engineers are employed in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 160 industrial engineers currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents a relatively small but established professional community in the region.