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Industrial Engineer

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Life As an Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineer Job Description 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.

What Do Industrial Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
  • Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
  • Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
  • Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
  • Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
  • Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.

Industrial Engineer Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Industrial Engineers say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Manufacturing Specialist
  • Production Engineer
  • Engineering Manager
  • Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer)
  • Inventory Analyst

Job Opportunities for Industrial Engineers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 257,900 jobs in the United States for Industrial Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,100 new jobs for Industrial Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 19,700 positions for Industrial Engineer per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Industrial Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and Alabama. Watch out if you plan on working in New Mexico, Vermont, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Industrial Engineer Average Salary

The salary for Industrial Engineers ranges between about $56,470 and $132,340 a year.

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Industrial Engineers who work in Wyoming, Washington, or Texas, make the highest salaries.

How much do Industrial Engineers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $87,870
Arizona $95,940
Arkansas $77,100
California $107,810
Colorado $100,460
Connecticut $89,830
Delaware $94,590
District of Columbia $88,380
Florida $77,410
Georgia $86,220
Hawaii $95,590
Idaho $94,830
Illinois $88,850
Indiana $74,430
Iowa $82,770
Kansas $79,580
Kentucky $79,170
Louisiana $99,090
Maine $88,020
Maryland $102,200
Massachusetts $102,210
Michigan $89,330
Minnesota $90,580
Mississippi $82,040
Missouri $87,620
Montana $100,640
Nebraska $85,950
Nevada $87,140
New Hampshire $91,530
New Jersey $98,050
New Mexico $102,120
New York $94,700
North Carolina $87,110
North Dakota $79,980
Ohio $84,060
Oklahoma $85,280
Oregon $90,980
Pennsylvania $86,080
Rhode Island $97,610
South Carolina $87,080
South Dakota $82,780
Tennessee $84,070
Texas $109,880
Utah $89,830
Vermont $79,700
Virginia $93,980
Washington $106,980
West Virginia $94,480
Wisconsin $77,260
Wyoming $102,730

What Tools & Technology do Industrial Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Industrial Engineers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • Data entry software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Linux
  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Microsoft SQL Server

Becoming an Industrial Engineer

What education or degrees do I need to become an Industrial Engineer?

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What work experience do I need to become an Industrial Engineer?

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Where Industrial Engineers Work

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being an Industrial Engineer may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Industrial Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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