Industrial Production Managers

O*NET 11-3051.00 · SOC 11-3051

Industrial Production Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $126k a year with +2.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 17,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+2.6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$126k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
17k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Review daily production output against scheduled targets
  • →Adjust staffing levels to meet changing production demands
  • →Resolve equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime
  • →Monitor inventory of raw materials needed for production
  • →Enforce workplace safety rules on the production floor

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Industrial Production Manager 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

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Industrial Production Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningReview daily production output against scheduled targets
MiddayAdjust staffing levels to meet changing production demands
AfternoonResolve equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)6.0
Conventional (Organizers)5.2
Realistic (Doers)4.0
Investigative (Thinkers)2.9
Social (Helpers)1.9
Artistic (Creators)1.4

Who Thrives as Industrial Production Manager?

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.

ESTJThe ExecutiveENTJThe CommanderISTJThe InspectorESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Industrial Production Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Industrial Production Managers is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

39/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target

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 Production Manager make?

The median Industrial Production Manager earns $126k 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 Production Manager jobs?

Our model puts Industrial Production Manager at 39 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.

Is Industrial Production Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 17,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Industrial Production Manager?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Industrial Production Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become an Industrial Production Manager?

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 Production Manager 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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