Industrial Engineering Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Optimization of complex systems and processes to improve efficiency and productivity.
Starting Salary
$70K
median
Mid-Career
$105K
salary
ROI Payback
3.5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
2.8%
rate
Industrial Engineering Overview
Optimization of complex systems and processes to improve efficiency and productivity.
Category
Engineering
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
66%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
12%
Lifetime Premium
$900K
Female Graduates
30%
Industrial Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$19,800
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$19,800
after scholarships
ROI Payback
1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$880,200
Lifetime earnings premium ($900,000) minus net degree cost ($19,800)
Industrial Engineering Salary Progression
Common Industrial Engineering Careers
Industrial Engineer
Operations Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Industrial Engineering
#1
Georgia Tech
#2
University of Michigan
#3
Purdue
#4
Virginia Tech
#5
Penn State
Related Majors
Industrial Engineering Degree FAQ
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