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The differences between industrial engineers and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an industrial engineer and a business analyst. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for an industrial engineer include continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and sigma. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Industrial Engineer | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Industrial engineers and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | New York University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and business analysts' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 11% |