Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Industrial Engineers out-earn Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians by $20K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians land at $82,890 and Industrial Engineers 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 Technicians is Washington ($125,160); for Industrial Engineers 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 Technicians or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineers, a difference of $20K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 11% projected growth, compared to 8.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Technicians get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians 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 Technicians earn $125,160 vs. $129,050 for Industrial Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.