Industrial engineering technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3026
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $64,790 and +1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 74,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Industrial engineering technologists and technicians sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Industrial engineering technologists and technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Industrial engineering technologists and technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3026) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 74,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $64,790, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Industrial engineering technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Produce images or measurements, using tools or techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size analysis, or zeta potential analysis.
- 2. Maintain accurate record or batch-record documentation of nanoproduction.
- 3. Calibrate nanotechnology equipment, such as weighing, testing, or production equipment.
- 4. Maintain work area according to cleanroom or other processing standards.
- 5. Repair nanotechnology processing or testing equipment or submit work orders for equipment repair.
- 6. Assist nanoscientists or engineers in processing or characterizing materials according to physical or chemical properties.
- 7. Collaborate with scientists or engineers to design or conduct experiments for the development of nanotechnology materials, components, devices, or systems.
- 8. Operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, or production equipment in accordance with appropriate standard operating procedures, good manufacturing practices, hazardous material restrictions, or health and safety requirements.
- 9. Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures to ensure proper application of nanocomposites or accomplishment of objectives.
- 10. Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Science
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Systems Analysis
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Industrial engineering technologists and technicians?
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Industrial engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 74,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Industrial engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians is $64,790, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Industrial engineering technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Industrial engineering technologists and technicians?
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).