Industrial Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 19K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$100,540
$48.34/hr
vs National Average
$106,510
-5.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $156K
19K employed in Illinois
Industrial engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $100,540 per year, according to the most recent employment data. With approximately 18,640 workers in this field across the state, Illinois represents a significant hub for industrial engineering talent. However, this median falls about 6% below the national average, reflecting regional economic variations and cost of living differences.
Several factors influence industrial engineer salary in Illinois, including years of experience, industry sector, and specific employer size. Engineers working in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or technology tend to earn toward the higher end of the $73,780 to $155,650 range, while those in smaller organizations or less specialized sectors may earn less. Geographic location within Illinois, advanced certifications, and specialized skills also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Industrial Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,780 |
| 25th percentile | $81,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,540 |
| 75th percentile | $125,210 |
| 90th percentile | $155,650 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,910 |
| 2023 | $99,660 |
| 2024 | $99,990 |
| 2025 | $100,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,093 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,910 | $93,869 |
| 2023 | $99,660 | $99,283 |
| 2024 | $99,990 | $104,330 |
| 2025 | $100,540 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,093 | $107,096 |
Industrial Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $155,650 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Industrial Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Industrial Engineer ($100,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Industrial Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +62.7% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +33.8% | $64.67/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | +25.9% | $60.88/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | +20.9% | $58.44/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | +8.4% | $52.38/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | +7.4% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | +7.3% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | +2.1% | $49.37/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -0.8% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -11.0% | $43.04/hr |
| Police Officer in IL | $100,520 | -0.0% | $48.33/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | -0.5% | $48.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in Illinois?
- Industrial engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $100,540 per year, or $48 per hour. This is about 5.6% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for industrial engineers in Illinois?
- Industrial engineer salaries in Illinois range from $73,780 at the lower end to $155,650 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and employer.
How many industrial engineers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 18,640 industrial engineers employed in Illinois, making it a substantial job market for this profession.
Is the industrial engineer salary in Illinois competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Illinois industrial engineer salaries are slightly below the national average, with the state median of $100,540 falling 5.6% lower than the national median for this role.