Industrial Engineers

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.

SOC: 17-2112.00

Common Job Titles

  • Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Project Engineer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign production workflows and facility layouts applying engineering principles and CAD software to optimize material flow and human work factors.
  • KnowledgeDevelop cost analysis models and inventory control strategies integrating logistics, quality control, and production coordination requirements.
  • KnowledgeFormulate optimization solutions for complex production challenges applying operations research techniques and simulation software to improve system performance.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize technical knowledge from engineering, mathematics, and production disciplines to create innovative solutions for managing human factors, materials, and equipment in industrial systems.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate integrated production systems for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness using systems analysis methodologies and mathematical modeling in manufacturing environments.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze production data and performance metrics using statistical software and quantitative methods to identify process improvements.
  • KnowledgeAssess compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements evaluating equipment, processes, and materials in industrial settings.
  • MindsetIntegrate stakeholder input and organizational objectives when communicating with cross-functional teams and external clients to develop production strategies.
  • KnowledgeApply engineering design software and simulation tools to model production systems, test alternatives, and document technical specifications.
  • MindsetSupport continuous improvement initiatives and organizational change by training personnel, coordinating work activities, and providing technical consultation.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Industrial Engineers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

350,230

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $70,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $81,910. 50th percentile: U.S. $101,140. 75th percentile: U.S. $127,480. 90th percentile: U.S. $157,140. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$70,000
10% of workers earn the following or more$157,140
Workers on average earn$107,900

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Engineering and Technology4.4/5
  • Production and Processing4.3/5
  • Mechanical4.2/5
  • Design4.1/5
  • English Language4.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • GitHub
  • JUnit
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Shell script
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX Shell

Technology Skills

  • 3D Static Strength Prediction Program 3DSSPP
  • A mathematical programming language AMPL
  • Allen Bradley PanelView
  • Assembly line balancing software
  • Automatic dynamic incremental nonlinear analysis ADINA
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Computer numerical control CNC software
  • Dassault Systemes Abaqus
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Anechoic auditory test chambers
  • Anthropometers
  • Audio amplifiers
  • Audio equalizers
  • Audio tape recorders
  • Audiometers
  • Camera controllers
  • Computer servers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment