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.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- 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.

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.

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?

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

Where Industrial Engineers Work

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

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:
- Logistics Engineers
- Product Safety Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Robotics Engineers
References:
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