RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Industrial Engineers salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$133,790
Mean annual$140,470
Range (10th to 90th)$85,840 to $202,860
San Francisco, California employment4,630
State vs national+29.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco industrial engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$85,84025TH$109,020MEDIAN$133,79075TH$164,84090TH$202,860

The middle 50% of workers earn between $109,020 and $164,840, with a median of $133,790.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Mechanical

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 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

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.

  2. 02

    Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.

  3. 03

    Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.

  4. 04

    Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.

  5. 05

    Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.

  6. 06

    Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.

  7. 07

    Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.

  8. 08

    Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Industrial Engineers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for industrial engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Industrial Engineers in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Industrial Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $133,790.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Industrial Engineers?
The San Francisco metro median is +8.7% versus the California state median of $123,070.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Industrial Engineers?
The San Francisco metro median is +29.6% versus the BLS national figure of $103,221.
What is the salary range for Industrial Engineers in San Francisco?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,840 and the 90th-percentile at $202,860 for the San Francisco 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco 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.