Industrial Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Industrial engineers use their knowledge of various disciplines—including systems engineering, management science, operations research, and fields such as ergonomics—to determine the most efficient and cost-effective methods for industrial production. They design systems that integrate materials, equipment, information, and people in the overall production process. Approximately 336,600 industrial engineers are employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for engineers with a bachelors degree in engineering was $76,736 in Winter 2024.
The median annual wage for industrial engineers was $99,380 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent of all industrial engineers earned less than $65,320 annually...
Work Environment
Industrial engineers usually work in offices at desks and computers, designing and evaluating plans, statistics, and other documents. Overall, industrial engineering is ranked above other engineering disciplines for factors such as employment outlook, salary, and physical environment. However, industrial engineering jobs are considered stressful because they often entail tight deadlines and dem...
Outlook
Employment for industrial engineers is expected to grow by 12 percent (much faster than the average for all careers) through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Industrial engineers have a diverse skill set that keeps them in strong demand in a variety of industries. They will continue to be needed as manufacturing and other sectors strive to make their production processes m...