Life As 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
- 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.
- Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
- Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
- Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as 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
- Operations Engineer
- Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Material Scheduler
- Production Expert
Job Outlook for Industrial Engineers
In the United States, there were 257,900 jobs for Industrial Engineer in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 19,700 job openings in this field each 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.
What is the Average Salary of an Industrial Engineer
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 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 & 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
How do I Become an Industrial Engineer?
Are there Industrial Engineers education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Industrial Engineer?
Industrial Engineers Sector
Below are examples of industries where Industrial Engineers work:
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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