Industrial Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $81,958 (2026)

Industrial Engineer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median industrial engineer salary of $81,958, which is $5,718 below the North Carolina state average of $87,676. Compared to the national median of $95,300, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $81,958 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,300 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for industrial engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for industrial engineers in Winston-Salem spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,560

$-13,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$122,120

$-19,880 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$52,460	$56,120	$61,000
25th Percentile	$65,360	$69,920	$76,000
Median (50th)	$81,958	$87,676	$95,300
75th Percentile	$103,200	$110,400	$120,000
90th Percentile	$127,280	$136,160	$148,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$52,460

25th Percentile

$65,360

Median (50th)

$81,958

75th Percentile

$103,200

90th Percentile

$127,280

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most industrial engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median industrial engineer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $81,958 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $52,460 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,958, a industrial engineer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median industrial engineer salary of $81,958 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $87,676. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a industrial engineer salary of $81,958 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most industrial engineer positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina