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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Industrial Engineers

Median Salary
99,380
Job Outlook
+12%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 25,200 openings for industrial engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$78,790

10%

$99,380

Median

$125,830

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    58%

  • Some college

    15%

  • Master's degree

    11%

  • High school

    7%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

  • Associate's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Engineering/Industrial Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Packaging Science

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Design
  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Production and Processing

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.