How to Become a Industrial Engineers in California
Industrial Engineers in California earn a median salary of $123,070/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 $5,862/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a industrial engineers can afford in California
Becoming a industrial engineers in California
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.
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.
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.
Find positions in California
California employs 25,830 industrial engineers. The highest concentrations are in Vallejo and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Industrial Engineers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo | $141K | $67.55/hr | 230 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $136K | $65.53/hr | 3,850 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $134K | $64.32/hr | 4,630 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $125K | $60.09/hr | 280 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $118K | $56.58/hr | 230 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $114K | $55/hr | 3,110 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $113K | $54.14/hr | 300 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $112K | $53.83/hr | 150 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $110K | $52.82/hr | 640 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $108K | $52.07/hr | 8,900 |
| Modesto | $104K | $50.08/hr | 140 |
| Redding | $104K | $49.9/hr | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $103K | $49.68/hr | 1,300 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $101K | $48.74/hr | 250 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $100K | $48.13/hr | 370 |
Industrial Engineers salary range in California
Industrial Engineers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a industrial engineers make in California?▼
The median industrial engineers salary in California is $123,070 per year ($59.17/hr). This is 22% above the national median of $101,140. Salaries range from $78,540 to $177,300.
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 $123,070, a industrial engineers in California would take home approximately $7,274/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 19.4% 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 Vallejo ($140,500), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($136,290), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($133,790). 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 $123,070 salary, this means roughly $7,583/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.