Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET 17-3026.00 · SOC 17-3026
Industrial Engineering Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $66k a year with +3.1% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Time and observe production processes to identify efficiency improvements.
- →Collect and analyze data on manufacturing workflow and output rates.
- →Assist engineers in designing plant layouts and workstation arrangements.
- →Track quality metrics and report defect trends to engineering teams.
- →Develop standard operating procedures for production line tasks.
Education & How to Get In
Most Industrial Engineering Technologist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Industrial Engineering Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Industrial Engineering Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Industrial Engineering Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Industrial Engineering Technologist make?
The median Industrial Engineering Technologist earns $66k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Industrial Engineering Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Industrial Engineering Technologist at 47 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 44% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Industrial Engineering Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Industrial Engineering Technologist?
Most Industrial Engineering Technologist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Industrial Engineering Technologist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Industrial Engineering Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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