Industrial Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Industrial Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Industrial Production Managers earn around $121,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $145,795 compared to $109,160 in Florida. Approximately 834,860 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 135 accredited institutions offer Industrial Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (618 graduates), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Main Campus (418 graduates), and Clemson University (397 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5,467 in 2010 to a peak of 9,445 in 2020, before declining slightly to 8,533 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Industrial Production Managers, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 834,860 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.