What does an industrial engineer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Industrial engineers devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information and energy to make a product or provide a service. A bachelor's degree is typical. BLS reports a median pay of $102,440 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 17-2112 |
| O*NET code | 17-2112.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $102,440 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 12 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 365,100 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an industrial engineer do?
BLS says industrial engineers evaluate manufacturing, delivery, customer experience or other systems to improve productivity and quality, collect process data through observations, time studies and staff surveys, analyze data to find trends and areas for improvement, design processes that maximize productivity, efficiency or space, work with other departments and present recommendations to management.
Work environment
Industrial engineers work in a variety of settings. Transportation equipment manufacturing employs 15 percent, professional, scientific and technical services 14 percent, computer and electronic product manufacturing 11 percent and machinery manufacturing 8 percent. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering is typical, and some schools offer 5-year bachelor's and master's programs. A license is not required for entry-level positions, experienced engineers may obtain a PE license, and certification is optional.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, computer, creativity, critical-thinking, interpersonal, math and problem-solving skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does an industrial engineer make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $102,440 for industrial engineers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of industrial engineers to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 23,100 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Describe a process you improved with before and after numbers you can share.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Mechanical engineers, Logisticians, Cost estimators, Management analysts, Project managers.
Frequently asked questions
What do industrial engineers do? BLS says they devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information and energy to make a product or provide a service.
Is industrial engineering a growing field? BLS projects 12 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 23,100 openings per year.
How much do industrial engineers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $102,440 for industrial engineers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is industrial engineer a good career? BLS projects 12 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 23,100 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- Mechanical Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does a Logistician Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Cost Estimator Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Management Analyst Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial engineers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 17-2112.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2112.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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