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The differences between industrial engineers and civil engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an industrial engineer, becoming a civil engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $70,950 average annual salary of a civil engineer.
The top three skills for an industrial engineer include continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and sigma. The most important skills for a civil engineer are civil 3d, engineering design, and cost estimates.
| Industrial Engineer | Civil Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $76,501 | $70,950 |
| Hourly rate | $36.78 | $34.11 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 46,756 | 26,803 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A civil engineer designs and supervises the construction of large-scale public works projects such as buildings, roads, tunnels, highways, airports, bridges, dams, and other substantial infrastructure. Most civil engineers work in the private industry, but some work for a government organization. Their output is almost everywhere. Many of them specialize in a specific project or practice a target profession such as in transportation, structural engineering, or geotechnical engineering. They oftentimes work at project sites, as they monitor the ongoing construction.
Industrial engineers and civil engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineer | Civil Engineer | |
| Average salary | $76,501 | $70,950 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $51,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineer and a civil engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineer | Civil Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 78% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Most common college | New York University | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor |
Here are the differences between industrial engineers' and civil engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineer | Civil Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% | Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4% |
| 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, 3.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 15.6% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |