FAQ
Industrial Engineering Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an industrial engineering technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an industrial engineering technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about industrial engineering technicians
Do IE technicians need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Can they become engineers?
Yes, with a bachelor’s.
Is the field growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
How much does an industrial engineering technician make?
The median annual wage for industrial engineering technicians was $66,120 ($31.79 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,150.
How long does it take to become an industrial engineering technician?
Most people need about 2-year degree of training. An associate degree in engineering technology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an industrial engineering technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is industrial engineering technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.1% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 6,600 openings each year. Upsides include two-year path; a common challenge is that floor noise.
What skills does an industrial engineering technician need?
Key technical skills include time study, data collection, cad, and work instructions. Employers also value attention to detail, communication, and teamwork.
What certifications are available for industrial engineering technicians?
Common credentials include Lean Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt, CQT, CAD certificate, and OSHA 10. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Industrial Engineering Technician fit quiz, compare with Industrial Engineer, or explore Industrial Engineering Technician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3026 (Industrial engineering technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.