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Bachelor Degree Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor's Degree with or without Certificates - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Bachelor's Degree.

A bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for a wide range of professional, technical, and management-track careers across nearly every industry. For people who want to compare where a four-year degree can lead before choosing a major or job. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Bachelor's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs External Link
What jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 255 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers / (61.02%) / ($219,140)
Chief Executives / (32.29%) / ($206,680)
Computer and Information Systems Managers / (50.48%) / ($169,510)
Architectural and Engineering Managers / (46.67%) / ($165,370)
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers / (56.68%) / ($165,370)
Natural Sciences Managers / (37.31%) / ($157,740)
Clinical Research Coordinators / (60.13%) / ($157,740)
Water Resource Specialists / (50.00%) / ($157,740)
Marketing Managers / (55.76%) / ($157,620)
Financial Managers / (77.31%) / ($156,100)
Treasurers and Controllers / (60.00%) / ($156,100)
Investment Fund Managers / (32.66%) / ($156,100)
Computer and Information Research Scientists / (36.22%) / ($145,080)
Computer Hardware Engineers / (48.28%) / ($138,080)
Purchasing Managers / (52.63%) / ($136,380)
Compensation and Benefits Managers / (85.71%) / ($136,380)
Human Resources Managers / (90.91%) / ($136,350)
Petroleum Engineers / (71.61%) / ($135,690)
Sales Managers / (71.43%) / ($135,160)
Database Architects / (80.95%) / ($134,700)
Data Warehousing Specialists / (78.26%) / ($134,700)
Regulatory Affairs Managers / (78.26%) / ($133,560)
Compliance Managers / (63.38%) / ($133,560)
Loss Prevention Managers / (59.10%) / ($133,560)
Wind Energy Operations Managers / (34.76%) / ($133,560)
Wind Energy Development Managers / (69.46%) / ($133,560)
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers / (86.36%) / ($133,560)
Medical Dosimetrists / (75.00%) / ($132,880)
Software Developers / (85.61%) / ($132,270)
Advertising and Promotions Managers / (62.44%) / ($131,870)
Aerospace Engineers / (59.05%) / ($130,720)
Computer Network Architects / (60.00%) / ($129,840)
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists / (33.34%) / ($129,840)
Nuclear Engineers / (80.95%) / ($125,460)
Training and Development Managers / (78.57%) / ($125,040)
Information Security Analysts / (75.16%) / ($120,360)
Actuaries / (89.28%) / ($120,000)
Fundraising Managers / (65.49%) / ($119,200)
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer / (83.30%) / ($119,200)
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists / (76.62%) / ($119,200)
Quality Control Systems Managers / (100.00%) / ($116,970)
Biofuels Production Managers / (52.04%) / ($116,970)
Biomass Power Plant Managers / (61.49%) / ($116,970)
Sales Engineers / (57.33%) / ($116,950)
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists / (76.00%) / ($112,280)
Chemical Engineers / (95.65%) / ($112,100)
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar / (63.64%) / ($111,970)
Mechatronics Engineers / (66.14%) / ($111,970)
Microsystems Engineers / (43.72%) / ($111,970)
Photonics Engineers / (52.38%) / ($111,970)
Robotics Engineers / (56.67%) / ($111,970)
Wind Energy Engineers / (75.31%) / ($111,970)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / (55.56%) / ($111,970)
Medical and Health Services Managers / (46.43%) / ($110,680)
Business Intelligence Analysts / (72.73%) / ($108,020)
Clinical Data Managers / (90.00%) / ($108,020)
Orthoptists / (85.71%) / ($107,990)
Electrical Engineers / (81.62%) / ($106,950)
Art Directors / (71.54%) / ($106,500)
Materials Scientists / (66.66%) / ($106,160)
Web Administrators / (55.00%) / ($104,920)
Document Management Specialists / (70.00%) / ($104,920)
Information Security Engineers / (47.37%) / ($104,920)
Information Technology Project Managers / (57.15%) / ($104,920)
Construction Managers / (40.00%) / ($104,900)
Materials Engineers / (52.38%) / ($104,100)
Computer Systems Analysts / (41.93%) / ($103,800)
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers / (88.47%) / ($103,690)
Security Managers / (70.00%) / ($102,340)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / (50.00%) / ($101,800)
Database Administrators / (92.89%) / ($101,510)
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers / (43.48%) / ($100,730)
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers / (95.74%) / ($100,640)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects / (52.63%) / ($100,270)
Environmental Engineers / (66.66%) / ($100,090)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products / (41.07%) / ($99,710)
Computer Programmers / (88.04%) / ($99,700)
Personal Financial Advisors / (80.77%) / ($99,580)
Mechanical Engineers / (52.29%) / ($99,510)
Fuel Cell Engineers / (57.14%) / ($99,510)
Automotive Engineers / (71.43%) / ($99,510)
Management Analysts / (66.66%) / ($99,410)
Industrial Engineers / (62.98%) / ($99,380)
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists / (50.00%) / ($99,380)
Validation Engineers / (90.00%) / ($99,380)
Manufacturing Engineers / (76.00%) / ($99,380)
Supply Chain Managers / (76.19%) / ($99,200)
Special Effects Artists and Animators / (52.75%) / ($99,060)
Video Game Designers / (55.00%) / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / (37.54%) / ($98,300)
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists / (39.13%) / ($96,370)
Civil Engineers / (90.47%) / ($95,890)
Transportation Engineers / (86.36%) / ($95,890)
Water/Wastewater Engineers / (69.57%) / ($95,890)
Transportation Planners / (55.00%) / ($95,890)
Network and Computer Systems Administrators / (52.37%) / ($95,360)
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval / (47.62%) / ($93,310)
Atmospheric and Space Scientists / (60.00%) / ($92,860)
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers / (40.62%) / ($92,580)
Bioinformatics Scientists / (33.61%) / ($91,100)
Molecular and Cellular Biologists / (34.62%) / ($91,100)
Intelligence Analysts / (73.92%) / ($91,100)
Geographers / (45.00%) / ($90,880)
Labor Relations Specialists / (42.85%) / ($89,980)
Hydrologists / (43.48%) / ($88,770)
Agricultural Engineers / (75.00%) / ($88,750)
Registered Nurses / (55.92%) / ($86,070)
Acute Care Nurses / (66.66%) / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / (50.00%) / ($86,070)
Microbiologists / (72.73%) / ($85,470)
Web Developers / (50.00%) / ($84,960)
Budget Analysts / (77.48%) / ($84,940)
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes / (41.33%) / ($84,900)
Chemists / (60.07%) / ($84,680)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / (44.97%) / ($84,570)
Financial Examiners / (95.66%) / ($84,300)
Emergency Management Directors / (68.18%) / ($83,960)
Operations Research Analysts / (42.85%) / ($83,640)
Producers and Directors / (56.67%) / ($82,510)
Media Programming Directors / (52.00%) / ($82,510)
Talent Directors / (50.86%) / ($82,510)
Media Technical Directors/Managers / (92.07%) / ($82,510)
Food Scientists and Technologists / (81.82%) / ($82,090)
Urban and Regional Planners / (40.00%) / ($81,800)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists / (82.61%) / ($81,140)
Technical Writers / (35.52%) / ($80,050)
Chemical Plant and System Operators / (36.27%) / ($80,030)
Business Continuity Planners / (65.22%) / ($79,590)
Sustainability Specialists / (56.52%) / ($79,590)
Online Merchants / (41.29%) / ($79,590)
Security Management Specialists / (70.00%) / ($79,590)
Credit Analysts / (95.00%) / ($79,420)
Logisticians / (75.00%) / ($79,400)
Logistics Engineers / (73.91%) / ($79,400)
Logistics Analysts / (63.64%) / ($79,400)
Landscape Architects / (95.00%) / ($79,320)
Fashion Designers / (50.67%) / ($79,290)
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health / (60.15%) / ($78,980)
Environmental Restoration Planners / (59.09%) / ($78,980)
Financial Quantitative Analysts / (35.00%) / ($78,310)
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts / (83.33%) / ($78,310)
Insurance Underwriters / (73.33%) / ($77,860)
Social and Community Service Managers / (50.36%) / ($77,030)
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents / (61.33%) / ($76,900)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / (67.92%) / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / (31.50%) / ($76,210)
Environmental Compliance Inspectors / (75.00%) / ($75,670)
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers / (70.20%) / ($75,670)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / (39.34%) / ($75,670)
Coroners / (50.00%) / ($75,670)
Regulatory Affairs Specialists / (85.00%) / ($75,670)
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators / (55.82%) / ($75,050)
Editors / (81.70%) / ($75,020)
Cost Estimators / (81.82%) / ($74,740)
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists / (60.87%) / ($74,680)
Search Marketing Strategists / (47.83%) / ($74,680)
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists / (95.23%) / ($74,530)
Writers and Authors / (46.95%) / ($73,690)
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers / (31.82%) / ($73,690)
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / (52.12%) / ($73,460)
Computer Network Support Specialists / (48.77%) / ($71,530)
Bioinformatics Technicians / (53.34%) / ($70,620)
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists / (57.21%) / ($70,600)
Loan Officers / (69.86%) / ($69,990)
Dietitians and Nutritionists / (63.33%) / ($69,680)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / (40.08%) / ($69,260)
Conservation Scientists / (78.27%) / ($68,750)
Range Managers / (81.13%) / ($68,750)
Park Naturalists / (49.75%) / ($68,750)
Surveyors / (47.37%) / ($68,540)
Geodetic Surveyors / (85.18%) / ($68,540)
Human Resources Specialists / (48.28%) / ($67,650)
Foresters / (83.96%) / ($67,330)
Adapted Physical Education Specialists / (71.43%) / ($67,190)
Public Relations Specialists / (90.91%) / ($66,750)
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School / (57.35%) / ($66,620)
Special Education Teachers, Middle School / (82.51%) / ($66,600)
Film and Video Editors / (65.10%) / ($66,600)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / (33.89%) / ($65,630)
Lodging Managers / (71.60%) / ($65,360)
Special Education Teachers, Preschool / (63.43%) / ($65,270)
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education / (84.73%) / ($65,220)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / (44.42%) / ($65,130)
Forensic Science Technicians / (32.36%) / ($64,940)
Training and Development Specialists / (78.26%) / ($64,340)
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education / (88.24%) / ($64,290)
Fundraisers / (95.24%) / ($64,160)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (36.52%) / ($64,020)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School / (80.62%) / ($63,860)
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education / (78.17%) / ($63,680)
Music Therapists / (84.62%) / ($63,650)
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers / (45.22%) / ($63,450)
Real Estate Brokers / (45.33%) / ($63,060)
Health Education Specialists / (30.93%) / ($62,860)
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers / (55.00%) / ($62,850)
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education / (86.20%) / ($62,690)
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (30.00%) / ($62,610)
Interior Designers / (84.00%) / ($62,510)
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists / (88.03%) / ($61,800)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors / (56.31%) / ($61,710)
Advertising Sales Agents / (51.85%) / ($61,270)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / (46.50%) / ($60,970)
Survey Researchers / (50.00%) / ($60,960)
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors / (52.22%) / ($60,560)
Fish and Game Wardens / (79.35%) / ($60,380)
Brokerage Clerks / (38.23%) / ($60,150)
Set and Exhibit Designers / (33.33%) / ($59,490)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / (35.12%) / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / (47.32%) / ($59,240)
Insurance Sales Agents / (46.90%) / ($59,080)
Graphic Designers / (65.00%) / ($58,910)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / (33.61%) / ($58,530)
Remote Sensing Technicians / (70.45%) / ($58,350)
Athletic Trainers / (37.39%) / ($57,930)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians / (52.38%) / ($57,920)
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators / (42.31%) / ($57,570)
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers / (32.89%) / ($57,320)
Recreational Therapists / (97.30%) / ($57,120)
Interpreters and Translators / (54.72%) / ($57,090)
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners / (40.80%) / ($56,920)
Chemical Technicians / (43.74%) / ($56,750)
Social Science Research Assistants / (54.32%) / ($56,400)
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers / (32.32%) / ($55,740)
Exercise Physiologists / (59.09%) / ($54,860)
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (72.05%) / ($54,000)
Child, Family, and School Social Workers / (68.66%) / ($53,940)
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks / (31.84%) / ($52,240)
Audio and Video Technicians / (42.67%) / ($51,640)
Biological Technicians / (63.12%) / ($51,430)
Desktop Publishers / (38.70%) / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / (50.86%) / ($51,140)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / (68.18%) / ($50,660)
Statistical Assistants / (61.28%) / ($50,510)
Directors, Religious Activities and Education / (54.13%) / ($50,140)
Private Detectives and Investigators / (42.15%) / ($49,540)
Food Science Technicians / (32.33%) / ($49,090)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / (47.30%) / ($48,790)
Credit Counselors / (40.00%) / ($48,570)
Cargo and Freight Agents / (30.75%) / ($48,330)
Freight Forwarders / (43.66%) / ($48,330)
Community Health Workers / (51.88%) / ($48,200)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / (33.81%) / ($47,710)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / (38.26%) / ($47,380)
Procurement Clerks / (32.73%) / ($46,670)
Coaches and Scouts / (48.89%) / ($45,910)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / (35.18%) / ($44,890)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / (37.46%) / ($44,490)
Rehabilitation Counselors / (55.86%) / ($44,040)
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary / (57.32%) / ($43,750)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / (34.78%) / ($43,180)
Social and Human Service Assistants / (40.46%) / ($41,410)
Tutors / (40.91%) / ($39,580)
Residential Advisors / (31.29%) / ($37,950)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / (40.15%) / ($37,380)
Recreation Workers / (61.96%) / ($34,410)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Industrial Engineers.

Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Industrial Engineers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Industrial Engineers

Description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
292,000
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
332,000
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
40,000 (13.7%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
23,300
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Industrial Engineers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.
Importance: 46 (%) Description: Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
Determine operational methods.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Devise research or testing protocols.
Direct quality control activities.
Discuss designs or plans with clients.
Document technical design details.
Estimate operational costs.
Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
Implement design or process improvements.
Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
Prepare operational reports.
Prepare procedural documents.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Review technical documents to plan work.
Schedule operational activities.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications.
Activity: Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards.
Activity: Develop research plans or methodologies.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Implement procedures or processes.
Activity: Manage control systems or activities.
Activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Schedule operational activities.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software:
Structured query language SQL
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Application server software:
GitHub
Computer aided design CAD software:
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Microsoft Visual Studio
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Object or component oriented development software:
C++
Python
R
Operating system software:
Linux
Shell script
UNIX Shell
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Program testing software:
JUnit
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
3D Static Strength Prediction Program 3DSSPP
A mathematical programming language AMPL
Automatic dynamic incremental nonlinear analysis ADINA
Dassault Systemes Abaqus
Data acquisition software
Dataxiom StatMost
Design of experiments DOE software
Discrete event simulation software
ECHIP
ETA Dynaform
Finite element method FEM software
Human modeling software
ILOG CPLEX
MAGMA MAGMASOFT
Maplesoft Maple
Maya HTT I-DEAS
Minitab
Modular arrangement of predetermined time standards software MODAPTS
Neural network modeling software
NeuralWare
Optimization software
PMC KanbanSIM
Production flow analysis software
Robotic simulation software
Rockwell Automation Arena
Siemens UGS Jack
Statgraphics
Statistical software
Stratasys FDM MedModeler
Task analysis software
Three-dimensional simulation translation software
Time and motion analysis software
Windward Technologies GRG2
Wolfram Research Mathematica
Workcell simulation software
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Electronic breadboard software
Facilities design software
Facilities planning software
International TechneGroup IGESworks
Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search MINOS software
Mathsoft Mathcad
PTC Creo Parametric
UGS Solid Edge
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:
EGS FeatureCAM
Development environment software:
Integrated development environment IDE software
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Expert system software:
Decision support software
Human resources software:
Personnel scheduling software
Industrial control software (scroll table below):
Allen Bradley PanelView
Assembly line balancing software
Computer numerical control CNC software
Human machine interface HMI software
Numerical control software
Nupro CastView
Quality control software
Robotic control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Inventory management software:
Manhattan Associates PkMS Pickticket
Oracle Retek
Warehouse management system WMS
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software:
Materials requirement planning MRP software
Production scheduling and planning software
Supply chain capacity planning software
Object or component oriented development software:
Sun Microsystems Java
Process mapping and design software:
ProModel
Program testing software:
Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
Logic programming software
Rockwell RSLogix
User interface design software
Project management software:
Process reengineering software
Yield management systems
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 58.6 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 15.8 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 11.1 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 7.5 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 4.4 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 2.6 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 42.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 16.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 1.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) External Link
Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP) External Link
Related Careers to Consider

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Industrial Engineers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Industrial Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Industrial Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Industrial Engineers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Industrial Engineers" occupation.






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