What is the starting salary for Industrial Engineering graduates in Murfreesboro?

The estimated starting salary for Industrial Engineering graduates in Murfreesboro, TN is $68,250 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. The national average starting salary for this major is $75,000. Salaries in Murfreesboro are 9% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Industrial Engineering degree worth it in Murfreesboro?

A Industrial Engineering degree in Murfreesboro has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.6 years, with a projected lifetime return of $725,968 after subtracting education costs. With 10 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,312/year, Murfreesboro offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Industrial Engineering in Murfreesboro?

The average annual public university tuition in Murfreesboro is $9,312, while private universities average $43,809/year. Including room and board ($13,946/year), total 4-year costs range from $93,032 at a public school to $231,020 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Murfreesboro is $16,072/year.

What jobs can Industrial Engineering graduates get in Murfreesboro?

Industrial Engineering graduates in Murfreesboro can pursue careers as Industrial Engineer, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include Operations Research, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Optimization. The Murfreesboro job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Amazon, Boeing, McKinsey.

How long to pay off student loans for Industrial Engineering in Murfreesboro?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Industrial Engineering graduates in Murfreesboro would pay $1,056/month on an estimated $93,032 in loans, with $33,731 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,820/month but save $17,546 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $68,250, monthly payments would represent 19% of gross monthly income.

Industrial Engineering Degree in Murfreesboro, TN — Salary & ROI 2026

Industrial Engineering degree analysis for Murfreesboro, TN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$68K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$96K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.6 yrs

in Murfreesboro

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Industrial Engineering in Murfreesboro, TN Overview

Murfreesboro, Tennessee (pop. 152,769) has 10 colleges offering Industrial Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 91 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,003/month. Industrial Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Operations Research and Lean Manufacturing. The adjusted starting salary in Murfreesboro is approximately $68,250.

Industrial Engineering Salary in Murfreesboro (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Murfreesboro's cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,250($-6,750 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$95,550($-9,450 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$118,300($-11,700 vs national)

Note: National average Industrial Engineering salary: $75,000 starting, $105,000 mid-career, $130,000 senior level.Murfreesboro adjustment factor: 0.91x based on the local cost of living index.

Industrial Engineering ROI Calculator for Murfreesboro

Estimate your return on investment for a Industrial Engineering degree using local Murfreesboro tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,312 | Private avg: $43,809

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Murfreesboro avg aid: $16,072/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$93,032

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$36,400

vs HS diploma in Murfreesboro

ROI Payback Period

2.6 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Murfreesboro

$725,968

Lifetime earnings premium ($819,000) minus total education cost ($93,032)

Student Loan Payoff for Industrial Engineering in Murfreesboro

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$93,032

Monthly Payment$1,056

Total Interest$33,731

% of Monthly Income19%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$93,032

Monthly Payment$1,820

Total Interest$16,185

Interest Savings$17,546

Colleges in Murfreesboro for Industrial Engineering

Middle Tennessee State University

public

$9,312/yr

$37,248 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Motlow State Community College

$4,320/yr

Top Employers for Industrial Engineering in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Industrial Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

AmazonBoeingMcKinseyToyotaUPS

Key Murfreesboro Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Industrial Engineering Job Titles

Industrial EngineerOperations ManagerSupply Chain Analyst

Industrial Engineering in Nearby Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN

$69K starting · COL 92

35 colleges

Memphis, TN

$70K starting · COL 93

22 colleges

Knoxville, TN

$64K starting · COL 85

5 colleges

Chattanooga, TN

$60K starting · COL 80

5 colleges

Clarksville, TN

$68K starting · COL 90

9 colleges

Franklin, TN

$89K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Jackson, TN

$62K starting · COL 82.5

3 colleges

Johnson City, TN

$79K starting · COL 105

6 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Murfreesboro

Petroleum Engineering

$46K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$46K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$75K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$46K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$73K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$73K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$71K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$46K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Industrial Engineering degree outcomes in Murfreesboro, TN: 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 Tennessee.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Tennessee 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:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Tennessee)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Tennessee programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "tennessee higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

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 Murfreesboro — 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 Murfreesboro.

Industrial Engineering Overview Colleges in Murfreesboro All Majors