Industrial engineering technicians assist engineers in discovering the most efficient use of people and machines. Technicians generally need some training in industrial engineering technology to get jobs and earn a good salary.
According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technicians assisting in industrial engineering are third in the rankings of engineering technicians and trail only electrical and electronic engineering technicians and their colleagues in civil engineering.
In May of 2010, there were close to 62,000 of these technicians. As a group, they were earning a median hourly salary of about $23, and their yearly income was an average of close to $48,000.
Not surprisingly, manufacturers are the primary employers of industrial engineering technicians, with semiconductor and other electronic component factories being the largest group. Aerospace, navigational and control devices, and factories making motor-vehicle parts also hire many technicians in this field.
Michigan was the top place for technician jobs in industrial engineering in May of 2010. This is partly due to the substantial presence of the auto industry there. Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota round out the top 5 employers for this technology occupation.
To get jobs, it is helpful to have at least an associate’s degree in industrial engineering technology. There are 11 schools that have a program accredited by ABET, which is the leading accrediting body for engineering programs. If you intend to become an industrial engineer, keep in mind that at least a master’s degree may be necessary to rise to the top of that profession. But if you want to be a technician, then a bachelor’s degree is probably the most you would be expected to have to be employable. Even then, many with a 2-year degree can find a job in industrial engineering technology.
Go to the ABET accreditation search page and select either the regular engineering programs or the technology programs as the “Program Area” and keep all other fields the same. You could certainly find other training schools for industrial engineering technologists. However, these accredited degree programs will give you a solid chance at getting a job and a good salary after graduation.
Resources:
ABET Accredited Programs in Industrial Engineering Technology
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Industrial Engineering Technician Jobs and Salary