Salary distribution
Where San Diego industrial engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $96,370 and $138,330, with a median of $114,400.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.4 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Production and Processing
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- 02
Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
- 03
Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- 04
Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
- 05
Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
- 06
Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
- 07
Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
- 08
Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for industrial engineers.
- San Jose$136,290
- San Francisco$133,790
- Sacramento$109,860
- Los Angeles$108,300
- Riverside$103,330
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Industrial Engineers in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Industrial Engineers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $114,400.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Industrial Engineers?
- The San Diego metro median is -7.0% versus the California state median of $123,070.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Industrial Engineers?
- The San Diego metro median is +10.8% versus the BLS national figure of $103,221.
- What is the salary range for Industrial Engineers in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,730 and the 90th-percentile at $172,700 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Industrial Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.