Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Industrial Engineerss out-earn Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss by $20K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss land at $82,890 and Industrial Engineerss at $102,440. The education gap is real: aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while industrial engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss is Washington ($125,160); for Industrial Engineerss it's Alaska ($156,510).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss or Industrial Engineerss?
Industrial Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineerss, a difference of $20K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Industrial Engineers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Industrial Engineers?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Industrial Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss at $125,160/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Industrial Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianss earn $125,160 vs. $129,050 for Industrial Engineerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.