Industrial production managers
SOC Code: 11-3051
Industrial production managers carries a 57% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $121,440 and +1.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 241,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 57% AI exposure, Industrial production managers sits 20 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 93% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Industrial production managers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Industrial production managers has ai exposure of 57%. 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 production managers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Industrial production managers 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 production managers (SOC 11-3051) carries an AI exposure score of 57%, placing it in the 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 241,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $121,440, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more 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 production managers. 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. Manage safety programs at power generation facilities.
- 2. Stop production if serious product defects are present.
- 3. Review biomass operations performance specifications to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- 4. Direct operations, maintenance, or repair of hydroelectric power facilities.
- 5. Supervise production employees in the manufacturing of biofuels, such as biodiesel or ethanol.
- 6. Supervise employees in geothermal power plants or well fields.
- 7. Review and update standard operating procedures or quality assurance manuals.
- 8. Oversee geothermal plant operations, maintenance, and repairs to ensure compliance with applicable standards or regulations.
- 9. Monitor performance of quality control systems to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
- 10. Manage operations at biofuels power generation facilities, including production, shipping, maintenance, or quality assurance activities.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Industrial production managers?
Industrial production managers has an AI exposure score of 57%, indicating a 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 production managers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Industrial production managers is projected to grow by 1.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 241,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Industrial production managers?
Key skills for Industrial production managers include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Industrial production managers earn?
The median annual wage for Industrial production managers is $121,440, 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 production managers?
The typical entry-level education for Industrial production managers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect 5 years or more of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Industrial production managers?
Industrial production managers 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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).