Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median salary of $64,790 per year, ranking in the top 39% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do industrial engineering technologists and technicians earn?

The median annual wage for industrial engineering technologists and technicians is $64,790. That puts industrial engineering technologists and technicians at #318 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is industrial engineering technologists and technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for industrial engineering technologists and technicians is +1.7%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 74K positions in 2024 to 75K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do industrial engineering technologists and technicians do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working industrial engineering technologists and technicians, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
2. 2.Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
3. 3.Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
4. 4.Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
5. 5.Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
6. 6.Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.

Top skills for industrial engineering technologists and technicians

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become industrial engineering technologists and technician?

The standard path into industrial engineering technologists and technicians begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Computer Hardware Engineers
  $155,020 median
• Petroleum Engineers
  $141,280 median
• Aerospace Engineers
  $134,830 median
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  $127,590 median
• Nuclear Engineers
  $127,520 median
• Chemical Engineers
  $121,860 median

Common questions parents ask about industrial engineering technologists and technicians