Industrial Engineer Salary in Athens, GA: $85,770 (2026)

Industrial Engineer Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median industrial engineer salary of $85,770, which is $2,859 below the Georgia state average of $88,629. Compared to the national median of $95,300, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for industrial engineers in Athens spans from $54,900 at the 10th percentile to $133,200 at the 90th percentile — a $78,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,800. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,600

$-6,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,400

$-9,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,800

$-14,200 vs national

Percentile	Athens	GA State	National
10th Percentile	$54,900	$56,730	$61,000
25th Percentile	$68,400	$70,680	$76,000
Median (50th)	$85,770	$88,629	$95,300
75th Percentile	$108,000	$111,600	$120,000
90th Percentile	$133,200	$137,640	$148,000

Percentile

Athens

10th Percentile

$54,900

25th Percentile

$68,400

Median (50th)

$85,770

75th Percentile

$108,000

90th Percentile

$133,200

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Athens

Education

Most industrial engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Athens

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Athens, GA? ▼

The median industrial engineer salary in Athens, Georgia is $85,770 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $54,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Athens? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,770, a industrial engineer in Athens earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼

Athens's median industrial engineer salary of $85,770 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $88,629. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼

Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a industrial engineer salary of $85,770 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Athens? ▼

Most industrial engineer positions in Athens require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, AutoCAD. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia