A degree in industrial engineering is the first step toward forging a career in this industry. An industrial engineering major is useful in a wide variety of fields, from hands-on technical work to administrative duties. In this article, you will explore the best jobs for industrial engineering majors and the different education options for each career path.
What Is an Industrial Engineering Major?
An industrial engineering major is a program that teaches students the fundamentals of industrial engineering. Students learn about productivity improvement, work design, manufacturing, operation charting techniques, cost justification, and more. Professionals in this area can work in several capacities and specializations, including engineering economics, supply chain management, systems analysis, or systems simulation.
How to Become an Industrial Engineer: Industrial Engineering Education Options
Traditionally, the minimum academic requirement for an industrial engineer is a bachelor’s degree. However, students have the option of joining bootcamps or community colleges for entry-level positions. Here’s an overview of the different education options.
Industrial Engineering Bootcamp
Bootcamps are short-term programs that offer intensive learning. Bootcamps specialize in different aspects of industrial engineering like project management, economics, and cost analysis, to name a few.
Bootcamps take anywhere from three to 18 months to complete, depending on your schedule. Below are five of the best bootcamps to help you launch a career in industrial engineering.
Best Industrial Engineering Bootcamps
- Project Management at Thinkful
- Data Analytics at General Assembly
- Quality Assurance at JobEasy Inc
- Coding at Flatiron School
- Design at Kenzie Academy
Industrial Engineering Associate Degree
An Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering prepares you for junior roles and entry-level positions as an engineering associate or design drafter. In addition, students learn about product management, quality control, and computerization.
Applicants require a high school diploma to qualify for this two-year course. You will learn the basics, including designing workflows, maintaining electronic equipment, and other administrative duties.
Best Associate Degree Programs in Industrial Engineering
- Associate in Industrial Electronics Technology at Western Nevada College
- Associate in Science – Industrial Technology at Parkland College
- Associate in Industrial Electricity/Electronics at Reid State Technical College
- Associate of Arts in Industrial Maintenance Technology at Merced Community College
- Associate in Business and Industrial Studies at Compton College
Industrial Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum academic requirement for most industries. It exposes you to a wide variety of job opportunities and a lucrative annual salary. Students learn about the scientific and mathematical principles of industrial engineering. You will also learn how to apply the principles to design, information, installation, and more.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Industrial and Operation Engineering at the University of Michigan
- Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at the University of California
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech
- Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Wisconsin
Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree
Graduate school is for students who want to specialize in a particular field and optimize their career opportunities. Industrial engineering graduate students learn about engineering, quality control, and business optimization.
However, grad students focus more on hands-on learning and research. With a graduate degree, you can extend your job search to major companies or pursue a career as a university professor.
Best Master’s Degree Programs in Industrial Engineering
- Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Auburn University
- Master of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Texas Arlington
- Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology
- Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene at Montana Tech
- Master of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rutgers School of Engineering
Industrial Engineering Career Overview: Is an Industrial Engineering Career Worth It?
Industrial Engineering Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industrial engineering has a job outlook of 14 percent between 2020 and 2030. The employment growth rate indicates that extensive job opportunities are available to industrial engineering students upon graduation. For example, you can work as a cost estimator, management analyst, safety engineer, and more.
However, keep in mind that the job outlook varies from career to career. For example, electrical engineering has a seven percent job outlook, whereas industrial production managers have a five percent job outlook, which is slower than average.
Industrial Engineering Salaries
Most, if not all, industrial engineering jobs offer a lucrative annual wage. According to BLS occupational employment and wage statistics, industrial engineers receive $88,950 per year as their average salary. This amount averages an hourly wage of $42.76. However, your annual median salary can go up to $150,000 or more, depending on your job title.
Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Majors: What Can You Do With an Industrial Engineering Degree?
A degree in industrial engineering allows you to explore various career paths, from manufacturing operations to product design. Furthermore, you have the freedom to work in several engineering fields, including mechanical, civil, management, chemical, electrical engineering, and more.
Below are some of the best jobs for industrial engineering majors, based on the level of education. The figures are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.
Best Industrial Engineering Jobs for Coding Bootcamp Grads
| Job Title | Recommended Bootcamp | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | Flatiron School | $106,000 |
| Management Analyst | General Assembly | $104,000 |
| Project Managers | Thinkful | $97,000 |
| Industrial Designers | Ironhack | $90,000 |
| Cost Estimator | Prehired | $86,000 |
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $72,642
- Job Outlook: 22%
Software developers create industrial applications that can benefit professionals in this industry. For example, you can create complex management apps, budgeting apps, quality assurance apps, and more. There are several software development bootcamps and university degrees that will prepare you for this career.
Management Analyst
- Average Salary: $67,854
- Job Outlook: 14%
Management analysts or management consultants ensure that engineering organizations have efficient systems. They find ways to make companies profitable and recommend new systems to ensure maximum efficiency. Learning data analysis or data science will ensure you get an entry-level or mid-level position in engineering organizations.
Project Managers
- Average Salary: $71,943
- Job Outlook: 9%
Project managers lead teams and strive to complete projects within the established deadlines. PMs handle the financial planning and daily operations at the site. You must have excellent analytical and organizational skills to work as a project manager.
Industrial Designers
- Average Salary: $59,756
- Job Outlook: 6%
Industrial designers work on making the final product appealing to clients. They work with design teams to develop concepts for each product or infrastructure. Industrial designers focus on aesthetics, usability, and meeting the client’s design needs.
Cost Estimator
- Average Salary: $57,458
- Job Outlook: 1%
Although the job outlook projects a slow change for cost estimator jobs, these professionals still contribute to the success of industrial engineers. The primary role of estimators is to analyze data and use the results to estimate the time frame, budget, and workforce for a project. Apart from a sales bootcamp, you can also enroll in a data science or analytics bootcamp.
Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Electrician | Ivy Tech Community College | $100,000 |
| Safety Specialist | Columbia Southern University | $85,000 |
| Quality Control Inspectors | Mott Community College | $84,000 |
| Industrial Mechanic | North Michigan University | $73,000 |
| Manufacturing Technician | Delta College | $70,000 |
Industrial Electrician
- Average Salary: $61,176
- Job Outlook: 9%
Electricity is essential in industrial engineering since engineers rely on electrical power to run all their projects. An industrial electrician will install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems and electronic equipment. In addition, a degree in industrial technology equips you with technical skills in welding, handling fluid power systems, lighting and control systems, and more.
Safety Specialist
- Average Salary: $62,705
- Job Outlook: 7%
Occupational safety specialists address health and environmental concerns at the workplace. Their duties include evaluating workplaces and equipment and ensuring organizations follow government safety standards. They also work with other technicians to conduct tests and measure the probability of hazards.
Quality Control Inspectors
- Average Salary: $50,483
- Job Outlook: -12%
BLS states that manufacturing and construction companies hire over 50,000 quality control inspectors annually despite the declining job outlook. These industry professionals examine projects and products to ensure they align with engineering specifications. An Associate Degree in Quality Control or Applied Technology is sufficient for this role. However, you can always seek additional training with a bachelor’s degree.
Industrial Mechanic
- Average Salary: $50,011
- Job Outlook: 19%
Industrial mechanics fix and maintain industrial equipment, such as conveying systems, packaging equipment, and production machinery. Industrial engineering technology has led to the development of unique equipment, which requires a well-versed mechanic. Therefore, you must be well-versed in handling manufacturing equipment, electrical equipment, and other machinery.
Manufacturing Technician
- Average Salary: $49,893
- Job Outlook: 4%
Technicians in industrial engineering ensure the flow of industrial processes during manufacturing. These professionals analyze manufacturing systems, suggest revisions, and adhere to quality and reliability standards. Technicians also help project managers to minimize inventory costs.
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Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Process Engineer | Oklahoma State University | $103,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Georgia Tech | $100,000 |
| Logistician | University of Massachusetts | $99,000 |
| Industrial Engineer | University of Michigan | $93,000 |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | Ferris State University | $81,000 |
Process Engineer
- Average Salary: $74,521
- Job Outlook: 14%*
Process engineers transform raw materials into products that consumers can use on a daily basis. These engineers are in charge of designing, implementing, and optimizing biochemical processes during manufacturing. Therefore, you must have chemistry knowledge, chemical engineering expertise, and critical thinking skills to enter this field.
Mechanical Engineer
- Average Salary: $72,146
- Job Outlook: 7%
Mechanical engineers can also work as industrial engineers in any industry. These engineers design mechanical and thermal devices based on the client’s needs and research ideas that help develop machines, engines, or test prototypes. You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field to pursue this career path.
Logistician
- Average Salary: $67,046
- Job Outlook: 30%
Logisticians are highly sought-after in engineering. They are responsible for an organization’s supply chain management to ensure a seamless exchange of engineering services between the company and the consumer.
In addition, logisticians handle inventory control, warehousing, transportation, and purchasing goods and services. Therefore, they must have a firm understanding of the industry and excellent communication skills to interact with consumers successfully.
Industrial Engineer
- Average Salary: $69,406
- Job Outlook: 14%*
Industrial engineers focus on eliminating wastefulness in production processes by developing efficient systems that improve workflow. A Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering will help you learn about design, control networks, and installing and maintaining manufacturing systems. This degree takes five to six years and features courses in statistics, production systems, and more.
Quality Assurance Analyst
- Average Salary: $56,102
- Job Outlook: 22%**
Quality assurance analysts maintain the integrity of the production process from pre-production to post-production. They create test plans, implement testing processes, document engineering problems, and provide feedback to the project manager and other team members. They also work with quality assurance engineers who oversee these testing processes.
Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Professor | University of Southern California | $167,000 |
| Engineering Manager | Columbia University | $150,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | University of Wisconsin | $123,000 |
| Industrial Production Managers | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $116,000 |
| Operations Research Analyst | Purdue University | $104,000 |
Industrial Engineering Professor
- Average Salary: $89,204
- Job Outlook: 12%
According to BLS, postsecondary teachers require a master’s degree or doctorate in a relevant field. Therefore, with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, you can become a university lecturer, helping students launch careers in this industry. First, however, you must be knowledgeable in the field and attain the necessary degrees to become a professor.
Engineering Manager
- Average Salary: $118,978
- Job Outlook: 4%
Industrial engineering managers plan and organize all activities during industrial and manufacturing processes. They handle day-to-day administrative duties, supervise different teams, research industrial designs, and execute strategies that streamline workflow. They also identify shortcomings in their team and organize training and talent development workshops.
Manufacturing Engineer
- Average Salary: $85,108
- Job Outlook: 14%*
Manufacturing engineers focus on the manufacturing processes of various industrial products. They are responsible for designing new manufacturing equipment, systems, and processes that enhance productivity. A master’s degree proves that you are capable of handling complex systems and leading high-level processes.
Industrial Production Manager
- Average Salary: $70,433
- Job Outlook: 5%
Industrial production managers ensure that manufactured products meet a specific quality level. They oversee operations and coordinate with engineers to develop products and machinery. They also analyze production data, monitor workers, and streamline manufacturing processes.
Operations Research Analyst
- Average Salary: $67,563
- Job Outlook: 25%
Operations research analysts help organizations solve problems and make informed decisions on different industrial processes. Their role involves collecting data, analyzing using statistical analysis, simulations, predictive modeling, and more. Therefore, they require machine learning experience, data science knowledge, and critical thinking skills.
* Figure taken from the BLS listing for industrial engineers
** Figure taken from the BLS listing for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers
Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Industrial Engineering
1. Pick a specialty: You can choose to focus on the technical part of the business or pursue an administrative position. Either way, pick a specialty and advance your career through higher learning, online industrial engineering courses, or bootcamps.
2. Earn the appropriate certifications or degrees: To pursue an industrial engineering career, you must be a licensed professional. Licenses and certifications prove to potential employers that you are multifaceted and can handle a wide range of responsibilities.
3. Join industrial engineering forums: Like all other careers, industrial engineers have strong membership communities where they network and exchange work ideas to support each other. Some of the most prominent communities include the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the American Society for Engineering Education.
Learning industrial engineering exposes you to a variety of career opportunities, and almost all of them are well-paid and have a bright job outlook. Fortunately, there are many educational options and learning resources that will equip you with technical skills to pursue each one, so what are you waiting for?
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