What Industrial Engineers DoDesign, 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.
- Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
- Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
- Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
Industrial Engineers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings25,200 Annually
Median Earnings
$123,070 in California
$101,140 Nationally
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Real Talk Reel
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Influencing or leading others
- Thinking and problem solving
- Using data or completing tasks
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Industrial Engineers Explained
Industrial EngineerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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What Is the Architecture & Engineering Industry?
Architecture & EngineeringThe primary activities of this group involve designing and developing plans, blueprints, and technical specifications for buildings, machines, and other products, as well as testing and evaluating prototypes to ensure they meet required standards and regulations.