Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
What it pays
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $31.79/hr — about $66,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $22.74/hr; the top 10% earn $47.67/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $31.79/hr — about $66,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $22.74/hr; the top 10% earn $47.67/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
- Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
- Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
- Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
- Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
- Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work splits time indoors and out. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.5% of industrial engineering technologists and technicians are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Drafters
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Surveyors
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Quick questions
- How much does a industrial engineering technologists and technician make?
- The median pay is $31.79 per hour — roughly $66,000 a year, with the real range running from about $22.74/hr (10th percentile) to $47.67/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a industrial engineering technologists and technician?
- The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
- What does a industrial engineering technologists and technician actually do all day?
- Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications. Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products. Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.