Industrial Engineers
O*NET 17-2112.00 · SOC 17-2112
Industrial Engineer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $102k a year with +12.4% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 23,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Analyze production workflows to eliminate waste and reduce costs.
- →Design plant layouts to optimize equipment placement and flow.
- →Develop standard time estimates for manufacturing or service processes.
- →Use statistical methods to identify and solve quality problems.
- →Coordinate with managers to implement process improvement initiatives.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Industrial Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Industrial Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Industrial Engineer?
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 Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Industrial Engineers is projected to grow 12.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·26% 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 Engineer make?
The median Industrial Engineer earns $102k 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 Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Industrial Engineer at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Industrial Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 23,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Industrial Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Industrial Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Industrial Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Industrial Engineer 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.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes