What Does it Take to Be an 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.
List of Industrial Engineer Job Duties
- Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.
- Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
- Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
- Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
- Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
- Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
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Qualities of an Industrial Engineer
When polled, Industrial Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Industrial Engineer Jobs
- Logistical Engineer
- Production Engineering Tooling Coordinator
- Efficiency Expert
- Quality Control Specialist
- Production Engineer
Are There 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. 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.
Average Industrial Engineers Salary
Industrial Engineers make between $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 different U.S. states?
| 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 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
How to Become 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?
Who Employs Industrial Engineers?
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:
Those who work as an Industrial Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Logistics Engineers
- Product Safety Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Robotics Engineers
References:
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