Industrial Engineer Salary in Owensboro, KY: $78,146 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median industrial engineer salary of $78,146, which is $4,765 below the Kentucky state average of $82,911. Compared to the national median of $95,300, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $78,146 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,300 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for industrial engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for industrial engineers in Owensboro spans from $50,020 at the 10th percentile to $121,360 at the 90th percentile — a $71,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,480, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,440. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $52,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,480

$-11,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,720

$-17,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$116,440

$-25,560 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$50,020	$53,070	$61,000
25th Percentile	$62,320	$66,120	$76,000
Median (50th)	$78,146	$82,911	$95,300
75th Percentile	$98,400	$104,400	$120,000
90th Percentile	$121,360	$128,760	$148,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$50,020

25th Percentile

$62,320

Median (50th)

$78,146

75th Percentile

$98,400

90th Percentile

$121,360

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Owensboro

Education

Most industrial engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Owensboro and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median industrial engineer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $78,146 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $50,020 (10th percentile) to $121,360 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $78,146, a industrial engineer in Owensboro earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼

Owensboro's median industrial engineer salary of $78,146 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $82,911. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a industrial engineer salary of $78,146 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most industrial engineer positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky