17. Kansas
IM Score: 87
Annual median wage: $79,240
Job growth: 8.2%
Cost of living index: 90.4
Although natural gas and petroleum industry is on the decline in Kansas, thanks to the rising aerospace industry, there will be 70 average annual job openings for industrial engineers in the state. The current number of 1,780 employed is projected to increase to 1,930.
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