Electrical and Electronics Drafters vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Industrial Engineers out-earn Electrical and Electronics Drafters by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Electrical and Electronics Drafters land at $76,870 and Industrial Engineers at $102,440. The education gap is real: electrical and electronics drafter programs typically require bachelor's degree, while industrial engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Electrical and Electronics Drafters is New Hampshire ($102,070); for Industrial Engineers it's Alaska ($156,510).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Electrical and Electronics Drafters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Electrical and Electronics Drafters or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $76,870 for Electrical and Electronics Drafters versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineers, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Electrical and Electronics Drafters or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 11% projected growth, compared to -5.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Electrical and Electronics Drafters or Industrial Engineers?
Electrical and Electronics Drafters typically requires bachelor's degree. Industrial Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Electrical and Electronics Drafters get paid the most?
New Hampshire is the top-paying state for Electrical and Electronics Drafters at $102,070/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Electrical and Electronics Drafters vs. Industrial Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Mexico, Electrical and Electronics Drafters earn $101,330 vs. $128,090 for Industrial Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.