What You Need to Know About Industrial Engineer
Career 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.
A Day in the Life of an Industrial Engineer
- 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.
- Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
- Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
- Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
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.
Other Industrial Engineer Job Titles
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Tool Planner
- Documentation Engineer
- Factory Expert
- Engineer
Job Opportunities for Industrial Engineers
There were about 257,900 jobs for Industrial Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 19,700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Salary for an Industrial Engineer
The average yearly salary of an Industrial Engineer ranges between $56,470 and $132,340.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Industrial Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Industrial Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Individuals working as an Industrial Engineer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become an Industrial Engineer?
Where Industrial Engineers Are Employed
Industrial Engineers work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Industrial Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Industrial Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Logistics Engineers
- Product Safety Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Robotics Engineers
References:
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