Graphic Designers vs Industrial Engineers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn $39,840 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 65.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $157,140 for Industrial Engineers.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Industrial Engineers$70,000 – $157,140
$37,600$157,140
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Industrial Engineers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $70,000 | $-32,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $81,910 | $-34,710 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $101,140 | $-39,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $127,480 | $-48,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $157,140 | $-54,110 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $107,900 | $-39,290 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Industrial Engineers
350,230
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
Best Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $139,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,790 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $126,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $126,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Graphic Designers or Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,840 (65.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
What is the salary range for Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers salaries range from $70,000 (10th percentile) to $157,140 (90th percentile), with a median of $101,140.
How many Graphic Designers and Industrial Engineers jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers positions and 350,230 Industrial Engineers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Industrial Engineers to Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 while Industrial Engineers earns $101,140. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS