Surveyors vs. Industrial Engineers: Who Earns More?
Industrial Engineers out-earn Surveyors by $27K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Surveyors land at $75,440 and Industrial Engineers at $102,440. The education gap is real: surveyor programs typically require bachelor's degree, while industrial engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Surveyors is California ($105,330); for Industrial Engineers it's Alaska ($156,510).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Surveyors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Surveyors or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $75,440 for Surveyors versus $102,440 for Industrial Engineers, a difference of $27K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Surveyors or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 11% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Surveyors or Industrial Engineers?
Surveyors typically requires bachelor's degree. Industrial Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Surveyors get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Surveyors at $105,330/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Surveyors vs. Industrial Engineers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Surveyors earn $105,330 vs. $124,600 for Industrial Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.