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Engineering · California

How to Become a Industrial Engineers in California

Industrial Engineers in California earn a median salary of $124,600/year, which is 22% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.2%. After taxes and rent, a industrial engineers takes home approximately $5,566/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$125K
Median salary in California
+22%
vs. national average
6.2%
State income tax
32,680
Employed in California

What a industrial engineers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$124,600
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 6.2% state tax)$7,349/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,783/mo
Rent as % of take-home24.3% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$124,600/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$5,566/mo

Becoming a industrial engineers in California

1

Meet education requirements

Industrial Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many industrial engineers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for industrial engineerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 32,680 industrial engineers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Industrial Engineers salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$137K$65.84/hr4,800
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$132K$63.57/hr5,470
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$132K$63.34/hr120
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$122K$58.49/hr230
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$120K$57.59/hr380
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$119K$57.24/hr3,990
Vallejo$114K$54.63/hr190
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$113K$54.34/hr11,460
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$110K$52.98/hr910
Napa$106K$51.14/hr30
Bakersfield-Delano$105K$50.34/hr280
Visalia$102K$48.97/hr80
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$102K$48.89/hr1,580
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$102K$48.86/hr610
Stockton-Lodi$101K$48.69/hr280

Industrial Engineers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$78K
25th percentile
$98K
Median (50th)
$125K
75th percentile
$154K
90th percentile (senior)
$173K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a industrial engineers make in California?

The median industrial engineers salary in California is $124,600 per year ($59.9/hr). This is 22% above the national median of $102,440. Salaries range from $77,900 to $172,870.

What are the requirements to become a industrial engineers in California?

Industrial Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a industrial engineers afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $124,600, a industrial engineers in California would take home approximately $7,349/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,783/month, that's 24.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for industrial engineers in California?

The highest paying metro areas for industrial engineers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($136,950), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($132,230), Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($131,740). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for industrial engineers?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.2%. On a $124,600 salary, this means roughly $7,725/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.