We used the latest data and insights to identify the highest paying industrial engineering jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Have you ever wondered what the highest-paying industrial engineering jobs are? If so, then you are in the right place.
In this article, we will talk about some of the most in-demand positions you can get with a degree in industrial engineering.
We reviewed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find out which jobs pay the most. Then, we looked at reliable job sites like Glassdoor to see how much people earn in these positions.
Here are the top 10 well-paying industrial engineering jobs:
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Table of Contents
#10. Plant Utilities Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $74,000 per year
- Median Pay: $51,200 per year
What do they do?
Plant utilities engineers design and install systems for water, steam, electricity, and other utilities in commercial buildings or manufacturing facilities. They may work with financial analysts establish costs of repair..
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most plant utilities engineers have associate’s degrees in a relevant field plus many years of experience. One can also become a plant utilities engineer by earning a high school diploma.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Plant utilities engineers are in demand in the manufacturing, healthcare, corporate office, and commercial building industries. Many of them work for utility companies or consulting firms specializing in building systems design.
What is the best way to get this job?
One of the best ways to get a job as a plant utilities engineer is by earning an associate’s degree in plant utilities technology.Â
This will help you develop the skills needed for the position. You can also gain experience through internships and apprenticeships with industrial engineering companies.
What’s it like to be a plant utilities engineer?
#9. Fabrication Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $50,000 per year
- High Range: $104,000 per year
- Median Pay: $71,019 per year
What do they do?
Fabrication engineers are responsible for designing and creating metal products. They work on projects that involve welding, heat treating, metal cutting, and machining. These industrial engineers also help to ensure the quality of their products.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Fabrication engineers have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. They may also take additional classes in welding, metallurgy, and other skills. Employers look for experience in the field and a strong work ethic.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Manufacturers, construction companies, and other organizations that rely on metal products are hiring these electrical engineers.Â
These professionals may also find work at automotive plants or manufacturing facilities that use welding machines.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a fabrication engineer is by doing an internship or applying directly to employers. This will help you gain experience and connections that could lead to a full-time position in the field.
What’s it like to be a fabrication engineer?
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#8. Manufacturing Test Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $52,000 per year
- High Range: $111,000 per year
- Median Pay: $75,850 per year
What do they do?
Manufacturing test engineers are responsible for designing and implementing tests that ensure the quality of a product before it leaves the factory.Â
They may also be involved in troubleshooting problems that arise during production to determine how it can be used as part of the manufacturing process.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Manufacturing test engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or another relevant field. They may also have experience working as an apprentice at a manufacturing plant.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Manufacturers are hiring manufacturing test engineers to ensure the quality of their products. As a manufacturing engineer, you may also work for a company that provides testing services to other manufacturers.
What is the best way to get this job?
As a graduate manufacturing test engineer, you can get a job by volunteering to help with testing at a manufacturing plant. Then use that experience to start working as an apprentice or entry-level engineer.
What’s it like to be a manufacturing test engineer?
#7. Maintenance Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $51,000 per year
- High Range: $120,000 per year
- Median Pay: $77,678 per year
What do they do?
This industrial engineer is an expert who oversees the upkeep of machines, buildings, and other equipment.Â
These mechanical engineers work with manufacturers to create preventative maintenance schedules that ensure efficient systems. They may also work with aerospace engineers to monitor systems and make repairs when needed.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering. Some companies may also require candidates to hold certifications from professional organizations.Â
Employers hire maintenance engineers with a wide range of skills, including:
- Mechanical aptitude,
- Technical knowledge,
- Problem-solving ability,
- Aptitude for mathematics.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Manufacturing businesses, including auto manufacturers and aerospace companies, are the most common employers of maintenance engineers. These professionals may also find work in power plants, refineries, and other industries that rely on machinery.
What is the best way to get this job?
To become a maintenance engineer, you can start by getting a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Then, you should seek out internships and volunteer opportunities at manufacturing plants.
You can also get experience by taking welding, plumbing, and other industrial machinery-related classes. Once you’re ready to apply for jobs, be sure to include any relevant certifications on your resume.
What’s it like to be a maintenance engineer?
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#6. Plastics Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $52,000 per year
- High Range: $124,000 per year
- Median Pay: $79,159 per year
What do they do?
Plastics engineers design, develop, and test new plastic products. They may also design the machinery used to create plastics. These professionals work closely with other engineers and scientists to ensure that products are made using high-quality materials.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers typically look for a bachelor’s degree in engineering or chemistry. Some companies may also require you to have a master’s degree in plastics engineering. You should be able to work well with others and have strong communication skills.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Plastics engineers are employed by companies that manufacture plastic products. They may also work for research and development firms or design their own products.
What is the best way to get this job?
You can start by networking with people in the industry. You should also look for job openings on sites like Indeed and Monster.
What’s it like to be a plastics engineer?
#5. Production Operations Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $53,000 per year
- High Range: $122,000 per year
- Median Pay: $80,056 per year
What do they do?
Production operations engineers are responsible for creating, managing, and improving the production process.Â
In some cases, this can mean figuring out how to improve efficiency or decrease costs. These operations research analysts of the industrial engineering industry may also train workers on safety procedures or teach them about new technology that could improve productivity.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Production operations engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. They may also have experience working as an engineer in manufacturing or similar industries.Â
Most states require you to pass an exam and obtain a license through the state engineering board. You will also need to meet any other licensing requirements your state has set.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Companies hiring industrial engineers include, manufacturing companies, engineering firms, and government agencies. They may also work for organizations that contract with the military or aerospace industries.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to find a job as a production operations engineer is by networking. Talk to friends and family about companies that might be hiring for this position.Â
You can also use LinkedIn or other professional networking sites to find out if anyone you know has connections at these companies.
What’s it like to be a production operations engineer?
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#4. Systems Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $61,000 per year
- High Range: $131,000 per year
- Median Pay: $82,251 per year
What do they do?
A systems engineer is responsible for the design and implementation of complex systems. These professionals may work on software or hardware of communications systems and other related projects.Â
Systems engineers may also help improve existing products by analyzing their specifications and functionality.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Systems engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Many employers also require candidates to have at least two years of experience working with software and hardware systems.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Technology companies and computer manufacturers are most likely employers of systems engineers. Other employers include defense contractors, telecommunications firms, and government agencies.
What is the best way to get this job?
To become a systems engineer, you can start by taking classes in computer science, engineering, or other related subjects. You should also gain experience working with software and hardware systems.
Once you have a degree and some work experience, you can apply for a systems engineer position with a company that hires these workers.
What’s it like to be a systems engineer?
#3. Packaging Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $60,000 per year
- High Range: $135,000 per year
- Median Pay: $89,126 per year
What do they do?
Packaging engineers design, develop and test packaging for products like food and drinks. They work with different materials and designs to determine the best way to package their product.Â
These professionals use science, math, and engineering skills to ensure that their products are protected from damage during shipping and storage.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Packaging engineers usually need a bachelor’s degree in packaging science or industrial engineering. Some companies may require candidates to have a master’s or Ph.D. as well. You also need experience working with different packaging materials.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Companies that need these chemical engineers include food and beverage companies, chemical manufacturers and distributors, pharmaceutical companies, and other industrial businesses.
What is the best way to get this job?
Once you have the necessary certification, you can find packaging engineering jobs on job boards such as Monster and LinkedIn. You can also search for positions on company websites or through recruitment agencies.
What’s it like to be a packaging engineer?
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#2. Standards Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Zippia
- Low Range: $63,000 per year
- High Range: $149,000 per year
- Median Pay: $97,266 per year
What do they do?
A standards engineer develops and maintains industrial and commercial standards for materials, products, processes, and services. These engineering professionals ensure that a company’s products meet industry safety and quality control regulations.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
According to Zippia, 68.8% of these professionals have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or business, with another 9.7% having a master’s. The most common degrees include a bachelor’s in industrial engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
In addition to working toward a degree in an engineering discipline, standards engineers typically have the following skills:
- An aptitude for math and science
- A keen eye for detail
- The ability to identify problems and find solutions
Who’s hiring for this job?
The following types of organizations employ the majority of standards engineers:
- Manufacturers, including aerospace and automotive companies
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
- Research organizations
What is the best way to get this job?
One of the best ways to get this job is by earning an engineering degree. Then gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in your field of choice.
This will help you build a strong portfolio of work so that when you apply for a standards engineer position, you can show off the skills necessary to do the job well.
What’s it like to be a standards engineer?
#1. Sales Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $70,000 per year
- High Range: $198,000 per year
- Median Pay: $116,431 per year
What do they do?
A sales engineer is a technical professional who sells products and services to customers. Their role is similar to that of a salesperson, but they have additional technical knowledge about the product or service being sold.
These professionals explain the features and benefits of their products to prospective buyers, ensuring that the customer’s needs are met during installation or use.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a sales engineer, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or business. Some employers also require candidates to have several years of experience with the product or service being sold.Â
Generally, sales engineers are experienced technicians who know how to install and repair products as well as sell them.
Who’s hiring for this job?
Sales engineers are employed by companies that manufacture or sell products and services. They may work for large corporations or start-ups. These salespeople may be based in a sales office or at a company’s manufacturing facilities.
What is the best way to get this job?
The best way to get a job as a sales engineer is to earn a relevant degree and gain experience in the field.Â
Many employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or business. But some will hire high school graduates with no prior experience.
Should you become a sales engineer?
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Conclusion
When thinking about what you want to do with your life, it can be tempting to think that the only way you’ll ever get rich is by being an entrepreneur. But that’s not entirely true.
The industrial engineer salary makes this career a great option if you’re looking for a job that will pay you well and allow you to pursue your dreams.
With this degree and the right skills, you can work in fields like manufacturing or healthcare—two industries with high demand for engineers. And even if those aren’t your first choices, plenty of jobs are still available in other industries, such as utilities and information technology.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the highest-paying jobs in industrial engineering.Â
