Industrial Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 4K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$97,690
$46.97/hr
vs National Average
$106,510
-8.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $134K
4K employed in Iowa
Industrial engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $97,690 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 3,600 workers employed in this field across the state, industrial engineering represents a stable career path. However, Iowa's median falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to higher-wage states.
Several factors influence industrial engineer salary in Iowa, including experience level, employer size, and industry sector. Workers in this field typically earn between $72,380 and $133,610 annually, with experienced professionals in manufacturing and specialized sectors commanding higher wages. Geographic location within Iowa, company profitability, and individual credentials also play significant roles in determining where professionals fall within this salary range.
Salary Distribution — Industrial Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,380 |
| 25th percentile | $79,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,690 |
| 75th percentile | $111,060 |
| 90th percentile | $133,610 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,980 |
| 2023 | $97,290 |
| 2024 | $99,960 |
| 2025 | $97,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,690 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,980 | $93,869 |
| 2023 | $97,290 | $99,283 |
| 2024 | $99,960 | $104,330 |
| 2025 | $97,690 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,690 | $106,510 |
Industrial Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,610 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Industrial Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Industrial Engineer ($97,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Industrial Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | +50.8% | $70.83/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IA | $117,590 | +20.4% | $56.53/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IA | $105,820 | +8.3% | $50.88/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IA | $97,700 | +0.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IA | $96,430 | -1.3% | $46.36/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IA | $94,830 | -2.9% | $45.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | -16.4% | $39.28/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | -34.2% | $30.90/hr |
| Physical Therapist in IA | $97,560 | -0.1% | $46.90/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IA | $96,540 | -1.2% | $46.41/hr |
| Economist in IA | $96,310 | -1.4% | $46.30/hr |
| Construction Manager in IA | $99,280 | +1.6% | $47.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in Iowa?
- Industrial engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $97,690 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is about 8.3% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for industrial engineers in Iowa?
- Industrial engineer salaries in Iowa range from $72,380 at the lower end to $133,610 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
How many industrial engineers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 3,600 industrial engineers currently employed in Iowa, representing a stable job market for this profession in the state.
Is the industrial engineer salary in Iowa competitive compared to other states?
- Iowa's industrial engineer median salary of $97,690 is 8.3% below the national average, making it somewhat less competitive than many other states, though still offering solid earning potential.