Industrial Engineering Degree Programs in Omaha, NE (2026)
Quick answer: The Omaha metro employs about 370 industrial engineers (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state engineering licensing board.
Compare industrial engineering programs enrolling now:
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Industrial engineering sits on the same Professional Engineer path the state boards administer, through an ABET-accredited degree, the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam, qualifying experience and the PE exam in industrial and systems engineering. In practice the license is required less often here than in civil or environmental work, because most industrial engineers are employed inside manufacturing and logistics operations under what is commonly called the industrial exemption. The credentials employers ask for more often are Lean and Six Sigma certifications, which are issued by private bodies rather than by any state.
See the Nebraska licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record within 250 miles of this area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Industrial Engineers Earn in Omaha
Industrial Engineers in the Omaha area earn a median $101,980 per year, below the national median of $102,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Industrial Engineering Pay in Omaha, NE
| Metric | Omaha metro | Nebraska | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $101,980 | $98,170 | $102,440 |
| 10th percentile | $75,660 | $71,150 | $74,370 |
| 25th percentile | $82,880 | $79,800 | $83,600 |
| 75th percentile | $120,420 | $116,240 | $129,250 |
| 90th percentile | $142,650 | $133,500 | $159,860 |
| Employment | 370 | 1,160 | 365,740 |
| Location quotient | 0.32 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Omaha, NE-IA metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Omaha median of $101,980 is below the national median of $102,440, and above the Nebraska statewide median of $98,170 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.32 means industrial engineers are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Industrial engineering demand tracks the region’s manufacturing base, distribution and logistics networks, and large healthcare or service operations that run process improvement teams.
Other Nebraska Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $98,390 | 350 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in Omaha?
The median annual wage for industrial engineers in the Omaha, NE-IA metro area is $101,980, below the national median of $102,440 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many industrial engineers work in the Omaha area?
The Omaha, NE-IA metro area employs about 370 industrial engineers (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do industrial engineers in Omaha need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Industrial engineering sits on the same Professional Engineer path the state boards administer, through an ABET-accredited degree, the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam, qualifying experience and the PE exam in industrial and systems engineering. In practice the license is required less often here than in civil or environmental work, because most industrial engineers are employed inside manufacturing and logistics operations under what is commonly called the industrial exemption. The credentials employers ask for more often are Lean and Six Sigma certifications, which are issued by private bodies rather than by any state. Confirm current requirements with your state engineering licensing board.
Can I study industrial engineering online from Omaha?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state engineering licensing board.
Is Omaha a better market than the rest of Nebraska?
The Omaha metro median is $101,980 against a statewide median of $98,170 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Industrial Engineering degree programs in Nebraska - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Industrial Engineering programs and how to choose one
- Industrial Engineer career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.