Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC code 17-3026 · O*NET-SOC 17-3026.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$66,120

a year

Hourly

$31.79

per hour

10th$47,300Median$66,12090th$99,150

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$70,700

$33.99 per hour

Middle 50%

$55,760 – $80,280

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,300 – $99,150

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

75,570

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $47,300; $22.74/hr
25th percentile: $55,760; $26.81/hr
Median percentile: $66,120; $31.79/hr
75th percentile: $80,280; $38.59/hr
90th percentile: $99,150; $47.67/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

74,600

jobs in 2024

75,900

projected for 2034

About 1,300 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do industrial engineering technologists and technicians do?

Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
Calibrate or adjust equipment to ensure quality production, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors, or ring gauges.
Oversee or inspect production processes.
Identify opportunities for improvements in quality, cost, or efficiency of automation equipment.
Develop or implement programs to address problems related to production, materials, safety, or quality.
Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
Create or interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, formulas, or blueprints for management or engineering staff.
Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an industrial engineering technologists and technicians earn?

The national median is $66,120 a year. The full range runs from $47,300 at the 10th percentile to $99,150 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an industrial engineering technologists and technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is industrial engineering technologists and technicians in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Writing3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.3/5
Production and Processing4.1/5
Design4.0/5
Mechanical3.9/5
English Language3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Education and Training3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation, Judgment and Decision Making.