Industrial Engineers
Industrial engineers design and improve manufacturing systems and processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. They analyze workflows, manage inventory and material movement, oversee quality control, and coordinate production schedules. Industrial engineers work in factories, plants, and manufacturing facilities across industries including automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
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A day in the work
An industrial engineer might spend part of the week observing production floor operations to identify bottlenecks, then use data analysis software to model process improvements. They attend meetings with operations managers to discuss inventory issues or quality problems. Later, they conduct time studies, review cost analyses, and prepare recommendations for workflow changes. Site visits alternate with desk work on scheduling systems and documentation.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this work if you enjoy solving practical, measurable problems and prefer working with concrete data and systems over abstract theory. You're methodical and detail-oriented, comfortable balancing technical analysis with coordination between different departments. Your investigative nature drives continuous improvement, while your conventional mindset keeps focus on proven, efficient methods.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Warehouse Lead Industrial Engineer - Ryder Last Mile (remote) · Ryder System · Sacramento, Sacramento County · Remote · $108,704–$108,704
- Industrial Engineer · U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command · Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas · $56039–$116362
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $117,120 | $156,510 | $186,790 | 220 |
| Washington | $102,400 | $129,050 | $155,920 | 6,130 |
| Oregon | $100,850 | $128,290 | $165,780 | 5,810 |
| New Mexico | $96,810 | $128,090 | $160,240 | 1,140 |
| California | $98,380 | $124,600 | $154,190 | 32,680 |
| Hawaii | $97,190 | $123,800 | $155,770 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $97,520 | $122,920 | $154,320 | 1,710 |
| Wyoming | $93,160 | $122,070 | $142,500 | 240 |
| Delaware | $100,770 | $120,190 | $143,000 | 820 |
| Maryland | $98,870 | $119,930 | $153,340 | 3,900 |
| Colorado | $95,160 | $109,750 | $133,290 | 5,200 |
| Massachusetts | $96,100 | $109,420 | $132,260 | 11,470 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) — Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Industrial and Systems (FE-I&S) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) — Association for Facilities Engineering
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Industrial and Systems (PE-I&S) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) — American Society for Quality
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against industrial engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2112.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.