FAQ
Industrial Production Manager FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an industrial production manager.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an industrial production manager: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about industrial production managers
How do you become a plant manager?
Usually through engineering or supervisor roles plus years of experience.
Is pay high?
Yes, BLS reports a median above six figures.
Do production managers work long hours?
Often, and they are on call.
How much does an industrial production manager make?
The median annual wage for industrial production managers was $126,060 ($60.61 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $78,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $205,520.
How long does it take to become an industrial production manager?
Most people need about 5+ years of manufacturing experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, business or a related field is typical, plus years of experience.
Do you need a degree to be an industrial production manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Is industrial production manager a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.6% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 17,000 openings each year. Upsides include high pay; a common challenge is that long hours.
What skills does an industrial production manager need?
Key technical skills include production planning, lean manufacturing, budgeting, and quality systems. Employers also value leadership, decision-making, and communication.
What certifications are available for industrial production managers?
Common credentials include Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, APICS CPIM, PMP, and OSHA 30. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Industrial Production Manager fit quiz, compare with Production Supervisor, or explore Industrial Production Manager training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-3051 (Industrial production managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Industrial production managers (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.