Industrial engineers
SOC Code: 17-2112
Industrial engineers carries a 67% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $101,140 and +11.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 351,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Industrial engineers (SOC 17-2112) carries an AI exposure score of 67%, placing it in the Very High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 351,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +11.0% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $101,140, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor'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 engineers. 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. Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
- 2. Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
- 3. Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
- 4. Analyze validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
- 5. Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
- 6. Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
- 7. Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
- 8. Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
- 9. Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
- 10. Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Industrial engineers?
Industrial engineers has an AI exposure score of 67%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Industrial engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Industrial engineers is projected to grow by 11.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 351,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Industrial engineers?
Key skills for Industrial engineers include Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Industrial engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Industrial engineers is $101,140, 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 engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Industrial engineers is Bachelor'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 engineers?
Industrial engineers 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
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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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).