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Engineering and Architecture

Industrial Engineers

Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Industrial Engineers
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Median pay

$101,140
Median annual pay for Industrial Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

11%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

25,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

351,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Industrial Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+38,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Industrial Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Monitoring

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Design
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Intellectual Curiosity
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Thinking Creatively
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
  • Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
  • Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
  • Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
  • Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
  • Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
  • Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
  • Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.

Software and tools

Structured query language SQL · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandSAP software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandLinux · hot technologyJUnit · hot technologyR · hot technologySAS · hot technologyGitHub · hot technologyShell script · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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