Engineering Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Industrial Engineer Salary in Tennessee

The median industrial engineer salary in Tennessee is $84,817 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,300.

Median Salary
$84,817
vs National
$-10,483
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Industrial Engineer Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for industrial engineer compensation. Industrial Engineer salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,817 per year, industrial engineers in Tennessee earn $10,483 less than the national median of $95,300.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $84,817 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,300 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: industrial engineers at the 10th percentile earn $54,290, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $131,720 — a $77,430 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $95,300.

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Tennessee and beyond.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $56,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,380 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,380
$-15,620 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $54,290
25th Percentile $67,640
Median (50th) $84,817
75th Percentile $106,800
90th Percentile $131,720

Industrial Engineer Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for industrial engineers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Tennessee

Education

Most industrial engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median industrial engineer salary in Tennessee is $84,817 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $54,290 (10th percentile) to $131,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,817, a industrial engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for industrial engineers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for industrial engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level industrial engineers earn $56,960, while senior professionals earn $126,380.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for industrial engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for industrial engineers is Hawaii at $162,010. Tennessee's median of $84,817 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($84,817) and South Carolina ($84,817).
What is the entry-level industrial engineer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level industrial engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $56,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $126,380.
What city in Tennessee pays industrial engineers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for industrial engineers, with a median salary of $95,300. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.