Industrial Engineering Degree in Boston, MA — Salary & ROI 2026
Industrial Engineering degree analysis for Boston, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$103K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$144K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
2.1 yrs
in Boston
Cost of Living
137
index (100 = avg)
Industrial Engineering in Boston, MA Overview
Boston is one of Massachusetts's top college towns, with 24 institutions and a student population of 40,388. Public tuition averages $14,167/year here — near the national average for public universities. Industrial Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Operations Research and Lean Manufacturing. The adjusted starting salary in Boston is approximately $102,750.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
24
Public Tuition
$14,167/yr
Private Tuition
$60,730/yr
Room & Board
$14,423/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,458/yr
Unemployment
4.5%
Graduation Rate
56%
Industrial Engineering Salary in Boston (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Boston's cost of living index of 137 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Industrial Engineering salary: $75,000 starting, $105,000 mid-career, $130,000 senior level.Boston adjustment factor: 1.37x based on the local cost of living index.
Industrial Engineering ROI Calculator for Boston
Estimate your return on investment for a Industrial Engineering degree using local Boston tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,167 | Private avg: $60,730
Boston avg aid: $10,458/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$114,360
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$54,800
vs HS diploma in Boston
ROI Payback Period
2.1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Boston
$1,118,640
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,233,000) minus total education cost ($114,360)
Student Loan Payoff for Industrial Engineering in Boston
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Boston for Industrial Engineering
Boston University
private
$62,360/yr
$249,440 total
Northeastern University
private
$59,100/yr
$236,400 total
University of Massachusetts Boston
public
$14,167/yr
$56,668 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Bunker Hill Community College
$5,760/yr
Roxbury Community College
$5,280/yr
Top Employers for Industrial Engineering in Boston
Boston offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Industrial Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Boston Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Industrial Engineering Job Titles
Industrial Engineering in Nearby Massachusetts Cities
Worcester, MA
$88K starting · COL 117
11 colleges
Springfield, MA
$100K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Cambridge, MA
$100K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Lowell, MA
$84K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Brockton, MA
$81K starting · COL 108.5
5 colleges
Quincy, MA
$96K starting · COL 128.5
4 colleges
New Bedford, MA
$77K starting · COL 102.5
4 colleges
Lynn, MA
$89K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Boston
Petroleum Engineering
$69K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$69K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$112K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$69K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$110K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$110K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$107K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$69K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Industrial Engineering degree outcomes in Boston, MA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Industrial Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Massachusetts.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Boston using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Industrial Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Industrial Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Industrial Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Boston Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "massachusetts higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Industrial Engineering Degree in Boston — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Industrial Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Boston.