Industrial Engineering is a degree that aims at preparing future industrial engineers who would be responsible for making our industries more robust, efficient, profitable, using technology, and the knowledge of complex engineering. In this degree, students learn about multiple industrial systems, theories, and processes, and how these can be improved, improvised, or updated. This is one of those disciplines that have helped humanity change the course of history as the industrial revolution of the 19th century helped many countries become what they are today.

Even today, industrial engineers are helping different industries by making them more profitable, efficient and they are doing this by improving the complex industrial systems using new technologies and data-driven processes. If you want to become an industrial engineer, you will have to study industrial engineering. After that, apart from becoming an industrial engineer, you can also choose other career paths that are equally beneficial and pay very well. Below is a list of those career choices after an industrial engineering degree pays very well.

Top 15 Career Choices After an Industrial Engineering Degree:

Here are the top 15 best and highest paying career choices after an Industrial Engineering degree.

• Industrial Engineer
• Production Manager
• Management Analyst
• Quality Control Inspector
• Health and Safety Engineer
• Engineering Project Manager
• Logistics/Supply Chain Manager
• Industrial Engineering Technician
• Cost Estimator
• Sales Engineer
• Industrial Designer
• University Professor
• Operations Manager
• Manufacturing Supervisor
• Industrial Process Engineer

Below is the detail about each of these career choices in Industrial Engineering.

1. Industrial Engineer:

After completing your education in the field of industrial engineering, you can become an industrial engineer. You will be responsible for multiple tasks including getting data and analyzing it and the overall situation of industrial practices. With the help of that data and analysis, you will be able to figure out the flaws in the system and how to correct those flaws and make the industrial process more efficient. This is one of the highest-paying career choices after a bachelor’s degree that also provides multiple career growth opportunities.

You can easily make a six-figure income after a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. This job also only requires minimal training after joining the industry. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an industrial engineer is about $88,950. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $136,930 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 292,000 and it shows a growth rate of 14% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. According to this data, this profession would create more than 40000 jobs in the next ten years.

2. Production Manager:

You can also become a production manager after completing your education in industrial engineering. During your course of study of industrial engineering, you will also learn about managing and improving the process of production. The job of a production manager is to know about the production goals of the company or industry and create new strategies or ways to reach the goal. For example, if a company is looking forward to improving or increasing its production per year rate, the production managers would create new ways or strategies to make that possible.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s and some on-the-job training but if you have a master’s or a doctorate, you can get this job without any training. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an industrial engineer is about $108,790. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $208,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 189,300 and it shows a growth rate of 5% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. From this data, it can be concluded that this profession would create more than 10000 jobs in the next ten years.

3. Management Analyst:

Another paying career choice after an industrial engineering degree is the job of a management analyst. This is one of the top management jobs in an industry or a company, where you are responsible for taking input or data and analyzing the current situation. This is one of the most important tasks for industries that are changing or want to increase their output. Management analysts use multiple analytical techniques to determine the factors that can be changed or improved to increase the overall output or production of the industry.

This is also one of those jobs that you can get after a bachelor’s degree but it would need some experience or training. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a management analyst is about $87,660. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $156,840 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 907,600 and it shows a growth rate of 14% for the next decade, which is faster than the average. According to this data, this profession would create more than 124,400 jobs. There are multiple career opportunities in this field, which is why overall competition would be less than what it is in other professions after an industrial engineering degree.

4. Quality Control Inspector:

You can also become a quality control inspector after completing your degree in industrial engineering. The job of a quality control inspector is to maintain the quality of products or production in an industrial unit or facility. Quality control inspectors set up different measures to determine the quality of a product and they test products according to these set standards. This is one of the most crucial steps in production as if the quality of the product is not checked and maintained, it can cause huge losses for the business. That is why businesses from around the world hire experts in quality control units.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree and some experience.  According to the data from BLS, the median income of a quality control inspector is about $40,460. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $80,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 557,900 and it shows a growth rate of -12% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. According to this data, this profession would lose more than 68,100 jobs; this is because of the recent drop in manufacturing industries.

5. Health and Safety Engineer:

After completing your degree in industrial engineering, you can also become a health and safety engineer. The job of a health and safety engineer is to design, create, and implement safety measures in an industry and to make sure that everyone that works in that industry is safe and healthy and is not exposed to any kind of chemicals or toxins that can impact their health. Apart from that, they also make sure that every worker is working in a safe environment. For example, if a worker is working within a heated environment, he/she must be wearing all the protective equipment.

Health and safety engineers help companies and businesses create a better environment for their workers. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a health and safety engineer is about $94,240. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $144,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 24,100 and it shows a growth rate of 6% for the next decade, which is an average. From this data, it is concluded that this profession would only create 1,500 new jobs in the next ten years. This means there will be a lot of competition in this profession.

6. Engineering Project Manager:

You can also become an engineering project manager after this degree. It is one of those jobs that offer a six-figure salary after a bachelor’s degree and some training or experience. You can get this experience by working as an intern or junior manager. Once you have gained sufficient experience, you can be promoted to top-level management. The job of an engineering project manager is to manage the current and future projects of the company or industry. You will be responsible for planning, directing resources, coordinating and implementing the plan, and achieving the overall objectives of the engineering project within the given time and space.

This is one of the most rewarding jobs that you can get after a bachelor’s degree. Having a master’s degree or a doctorate in the relevant field would increase your chances of employment. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an engineering project manager is about $149,530. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $208,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 197,800 and it shows a growth rate of 4% for the next decade, which is an average growth rate. According to this data, this profession would create more than 8,100 jobs in the next ten years. There are very few jobs that mean there will be more competition in this profession.

7. Logistics/Supply Chain Manager:

Another high-paying job that you can get after a degree in industrial engineering is the job of a logistician or a supply chain manager. The job of a supply chain manager is to maintain the flow of the supply chain. This includes the procurement of the required raw materials for the industry, transport of these materials, and shipment of the products to clients. It is also one of those jobs that have great potential for career growth and improvement. This job requires skills like communication, the ability to understand logistics, problem-solving, and management.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree and if you have some experience, it would improve your employability and would also impact the salary. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a supply chain manager is about $76,270. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $122,580 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 191,000 and it shows a growth rate of 30% for the next decade, which is faster than average. From this data, we can conclude that this profession would create more than 56,400 jobs in the next ten years. Also, this large number of jobs means less competition for the potential candidates.

8. Industrial Engineering Technician:

After completing your studies in industrial engineering, you can become an industrial engineering technician. The job of an industrial engineering technician is to work on the installation, and maintenance of new technologies in the industry. Industrial engineering technicians work under the supervision of industrial engineers or operations managers. They implement the solutions that are designed and created by the engineers and designers to increase efficiency or profitability.

This job only requires an associate’s degree but a bachelor’s degree holder can also apply for this job. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an industrial engineering technician is about $57,320. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $86,900 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 64,100 and it shows a growth rate of 4% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. According to this data, this profession would create more than 2800 new jobs. This is a very small number of jobs that means there will be more competition in this profession.

9. Cost Estimator:

You can also get the job of a cost estimator after completing your industrial engineering degree. This is a job that needs a lot of knowledge of engineering, mathematics, statistics, and related subjects. The job of a cost estimator is to use multiple theories and mathematical models to estimate the cost of a project. For example, if a company wants to open a new factory or power plant, the job of a cost estimator would be to estimate the cost of construction, operation, and to test the profitability of the project. It helps investors know about the project, and if they should invest in it or not.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Most of the time, there is no experience required for this job. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a cost estimator is about $66,610. Meanwhile, the top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $114,360 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 199,400 and it shows a growth rate of 1% for the next decade, which is one of the slowest growth rates, indicating a small growth in jobs and more competition.

10. Sales Engineer:

After an industrial engineering degree, you can also become a sales engineer. It is a job that requires strong communication skills, and the ability to understand the technology or product that you are selling. The job of a sales engineer is to sell engineering equipment, products, or machines that their company makes. Sales engineers meet with clients; tell them about the product and how clients can benefit from their products. This helps engineering companies to generate sales and sell their products or engineered solutions. This is one of the high-paying jobs that not only provide a good salary but also some commission based on your sales.

There are no experience requirements for this job, but you may have to go through some onboarding training. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a sales engineer is about $108,830. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $184,190 per year. The total number of 63,800 jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 292,000 and it shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade, which is average. From this data, it can be concluded that this profession would create 5,000 new jobs and will have some level of competition for each job.

11. Industrial Designer:

The job of an industrial designer is to work with industries and help them create more efficient design solutions. Some industrial designers would work on product designing, and some would work on designing better industrial plans and facilities. For example, if an engineering solution manufacturer needs a new product that can be produced on a mass scale. They would ask their engineers to design the product and make sure it is according to the needs of the potential client and is easy to produce on existing machinery. This is a job that requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced engineering skills in industrial solutions.

Bachelor’s is the basic requirement for this job, but people with a master’s degree would be preferred for this job role. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an industrial designer is about $71,640. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $120,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 31,500 and it shows a growth rate of 6% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. According to this data, this profession would create more than 1800 jobs. This is a small number of jobs that indicate there will be more competition in this field.

12. University Professor:

You can also become a university professor after completing your education in the field of industrial engineering. This job requires deeper knowledge, skills, and higher education. Most university professor jobs require a doctorate in the relevant profession. You can start your career as a teacher in college after a bachelor’s or master’s degree and when you complete your doctorate, you can apply for the position of university professor after acquiring the required experience.

This is a teaching job, which means communication and a deeper understanding of the subjects are required for this job. So that you can communicate your knowledge clearly to your audience.  According to the data from BLS, the median income of a university professor is about $103,600. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $179,540 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 1,276,900 and it shows a growth rate of 12% for the next decade, which is an average fast growth rate. These are the statistics related to post-secondary teachers, including university professors and others.

13. Operations Manager:

You can also become an operations manager after completing your education in industrial engineering. Industries need multiple operations managers to run each facility. The job of an operations manager is to make sure that every part of the production, packing, assembly, or whatever your company does, is working at the best possible rate. They are responsible for planning, and executing plans related to operations, and making new policies to boost the production or efficiency of the operations. They not just run the operations but also maintain control and chain of command between workers and management.

It is also one of those jobs that not only require knowledge of engineering and technicalities, but also communication and the ability to understand and quickly resolve problems. According to the data from BLS, the median income of an operations manager is about $103,650. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $208,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 2,347,420 and it shows a growth rate of 4% for the next ten years.

14. Manufacturing Supervisor:

The job of a manufacturing supervisor is to oversee the process of production or manufacturing. There are a lot of industries in the United States that have factories and manufacture products inside the United States. All of these industries and factories need manufacturing supervisors. For example, Tesla, which is one of the largest car manufacturers in the United States, needs hundreds of manufacturing supervisors to oversee the manufacturing of their cars. You can get this job after an associate’s degree but if you have a bachelor’s degree, you will be paid better.

This job might require some on-the-job training related to safety, and operations. According to the data from BLS, the median income of a manufacturing supervisor is about $62,850. The top ten percent of earners in this field make more than $90,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession as of 2020 was 599,900 and it shows a growth rate of 5% for the next ten years. According to this data, this profession would create more jobs in the future.

15. Industrial Process Engineer:

After completing your education in industrial engineering, you can also become an industrial process engineer. The job of an industrial process engineer is to design, plan, implement, control, or optimize the processes of an industry, or factory. Industrial engineers are perfectly suitable candidates for this job as they know production, industries, industrial problems, and their solutions. This helps them understand the problems in the current process and find out the ways to fix this process or optimize the process for better efficiency.

The entry-level job requirement for this profession is a bachelor’s degree and some experience. You can get this experience by working as an intern.  According to the data from BLS, the median income of an industrial process engineer is about $88,950. Many industrial engineering professionals can easily make a six-figure income. The total number of jobs is 292,000 and the growth rate is 14%. That is an average fast growth rate.

Benefits and Salaries for Industrial Engineering-Related Jobs:

Job Position	Requirements	Number of Jobs	Job outlook	Median Income
Industrial Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	292,000	14%	$88,950
Production Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	189,300	5%	$108,790
Management Analyst	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	907,600	14%	$87,660
Quality Control Inspector	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	557,900	-12%	$40,460
Health and Safety Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	24,100	6%	$94,240
Engineering Project Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	197,800	4%	$149,530
Logistics/Supply Chain Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	191,000	30%	$76,270
Industrial Engineering Technician	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	64,100	4%	$57,320
Cost Estimator	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	199,400	1%	$66,610
Sales Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	63,800	8%	$108,830
Industrial Designer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	31,500	6%	$71,640
University Professor	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	1,276,900	12%	$103,600
Operations Manager	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	2,347,420	4%	$103,650
Manufacturing Supervisor	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	599,900	5%	$62,850
Industrial Process Engineer	Bachelor-Master-Ph.D.	292,000	14%	$88,950

Note 🙁 Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Types of Industrial Engineering Degrees:

Here is the list of the top three degrees that you can do with an Industrial Engineering major.

1.   Associate’s Degree:

Associate’s degree in industrial engineering is a short course that would allow you to work in various technical positions in industries. There are only basic requirements for admission, for example, you must have passed your previous exams with a good GPA. You will not be working as an engineer; instead, you will be working under engineers. This degree can take more than two years to complete. The overall cost of this degree is about $20,000 to $30,000 in different colleges.

2.   Bachelor’s Degree:

This is a professional engineering degree in industrial engineering. Many jobs in different industries require a bachelor’s degree as the entry-level job requirement. This is a comprehensive course of education that will not only prepare you for the position of an industrial engineer but also many other professions that are related to this field. It can take four years to complete and can cost more than $100,000.

3.   Master’s Degree:

This is a higher level of qualification that might be required for some jobs in industrial engineering. The purpose of this degree is to enhance the knowledge and skills of industrial engineers so that they learn new technologies and can implement these new techniques or technologies in their respective industries. Candidates with a master’s degree are paid better than the bachelor’s degree holder. A Master’s degree can take more than two years to complete and can cost up to $80,000. In this degree, you will focus more on doing research.

4.   Ph.D. or Doctorate:

A doctorate or Ph.D. in industrial engineering is a research-based degree. In this degree, you will learn many theories in industrial engineering and conduct your research on a specific topic or a problem. During your course of study, you will also learn about the most advanced and latest techniques, processes, or relevant research theories. This degree can take more than four years to complete and can cost more than $200,000. Candidates with a doctorate are paid the most in any type of job in the industrial engineering profession.  

Skills You Will Learn From Industrial Engineering Degree:

• Mathematical skills
• Engineering skills
• Problem Solving Skill
• Communication skills
• Industrial skills
• Operational and Management skills

Conclusion:

Industrial engineering is one of the best degrees for those who are interested in a career in relevant fields. It is one of the best degrees as it offers some of the highest-paying career choices after a bachelor’s degree. You can even get some six-figure paying jobs after a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. So, if you are still confused about choosing between different engineering degrees, you should also consider industrial engineering as it can offer not only a good salary but also multiple career growth options as well.

FAQs:

Question: What are industrial engineering salaries?

Answer: Industrial engineering is one of the best career choices after a bachelor’s degree as it pays very well, both in terms of salary and career growth options. The median salary of an industrial engineer after BLS is $88,950.

Question: Industrial engineering vs. mechanical engineering, which one should I choose?

Answer: Both industrial engineering and mechanical engineering are good choices, but if you have to choose between these two, you should choose according to your interests. Mechanical engineering is more about machines, while industrial engineering is about industrial processes and you should choose according to your interests.

Question: What are industrial engineering subjects?

Answer: You will have to study multiple subjects in industrial engineering, including mathematics, statistics, business process, industrial engineering, communication, and theories about industrial engineering.