Is Industrial Engineering a Good Career?

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. Industrial engineers work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and logistics. They use their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve problems and improve efficiency.

Is Industrial Engineering a Good Career Path?

Industrial engineering is a good career path for people who are interested in solving problems and improving efficiency. Industrial engineers are in high demand, and they can earn a good salary. The job outlook for industrial engineers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Pros of Being an Industrial Engineer

High demand
Good salary
Job security
Opportunity to make a difference
Variety of work

Cons of Being an Industrial Engineer

Long hours
Stressful work environment
May require travel
Competition for jobs
Need for continuing education

What Does an Industrial Engineer Do?

Industrial engineers perform a variety of tasks, including:

Designing and improving production processes
Installing and maintaining equipment
Managing inventory
Scheduling production
Training employees
Solving problems
Improving efficiency

How to Become an Industrial Engineer

To become an industrial engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. You can also earn a master’s degree or doctorate in industrial engineering. Industrial engineers must be licensed in some states. To obtain a license, you will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

Industrial Engineering Salary

The median annual salary for industrial engineers was $92,390 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $145,070.

Job Outlook for Industrial Engineers

The job outlook for industrial engineers is expected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing use of automation and robotics in manufacturing and other industries.