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Animation Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Animation Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For visually creative people who also want to build technical software skills in a competitive field. Use the tools below to see which animation roles fit your background and goals.

This field splits sharply between 2D/traditional animation and 3D/technical animation, each requiring different software skill sets. Use the tools below to explore Animation-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Junior Animator, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Lead Animator or Technical Director. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Autodesk Certified Professional (Maya), that can help you move up the career ladder.



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 to (1) Select from Animation careers/jobs, (2) Find Animation job listings, (3) Prepare for Animation careers, and (4) Provide Animation career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Animation careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Animation Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Animation careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Animation, so relevant Animation jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Animation Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Animation Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Animation careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 25 Animation Jobs.
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 job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title 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 chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links 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. Can also assist with coffee chats.
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/Job

7 Animation careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Animation-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Animation-Related Jobs

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 37% Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
Occupation: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 37% Animation-Related Jobs: Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 24.1% Animation Camera Operator
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.1% Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Camera Operator
Producers and Directors 24.1% Animation Director; Animation Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.1% Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Director; Animation Producer
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 17.3% 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Occupation: Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 17.3% Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Special Effects Artists and Animators 15.8% 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Occupation: Special Effects Artists and Animators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.8% Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians 8.6% 3D Technologist
Occupation: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.6% Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Technologist
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 4.4% 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Occupation: Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.4% Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)

8 Animation careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Animation-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Animation-Related Jobs

Special Effects Artists and Animators $ 99,060 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Occupation: Special Effects Artists and Animators National Median Salary: $ 99,060 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Video Game Designers $ 98,540 Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist)
Occupation: Video Game Designers National Median Salary: $ 98,540 Animation-Related Jobs: Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist)
Producers and Directors $ 82,510 Animation Director; Animation Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors National Median Salary: $ 82,510 Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Director; Animation Producer
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $ 73,410 3D Technologist
Occupation: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians National Median Salary: $ 73,410 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Technologist
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $ 62,610 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Occupation: Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians National Median Salary: $ 62,610 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $ 61,800 Animation Camera Operator
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film National Median Salary: $ 61,800 Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Camera Operator
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $ 59,300 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Occupation: Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators National Median Salary: $ 59,300 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance $ 47,390 Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
Occupation: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance National Median Salary: $ 47,390 Animation-Related Jobs: Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)

8 Animation careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Animation-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Animation-Related Jobs

Producers and Directors 4 Animation Director; Animation Producer
Occupation: Producers and Directors Education/Preparation: 4 Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Director; Animation Producer
Special Effects Artists and Animators 4 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Occupation: Special Effects Artists and Animators Education/Preparation: 4 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer); 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler); 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist); Animation Artist; Animation Producer; Animator; Cartoon Animator; Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer); Special Effects Artist; Special Effects Designer; Special Effects Specialist; Special Effects Technician; Storyboard Artist; Technical Animator; Video Game Animator
Video Game Designers 4 Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist)
Occupation: Video Game Designers Education/Preparation: 4 Animation-Related Jobs: Three Dimensional Artist (3D Artist)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 3 Animation Camera Operator
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Education/Preparation: 3 Animation-Related Jobs: Animation Camera Operator
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators 3 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Occupation: Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Education/Preparation: 3 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist); 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist); Animated Cartoons Painter
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 3 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Occupation: Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 3 Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
Occupation: Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance Education/Preparation: 3 Animation-Related Jobs: Special Effects Makeup Artist (Special Effects MUA)
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians 3 3D Technologist
Occupation: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Animation-Related Jobs: 3D Technologist

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 25 specific Animation job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

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



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians.


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





Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Description: Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
64,100
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
66,900
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
2,800 (4.4%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
6,300
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians":

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: 80 (%) Description: Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
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: 43 (%) Description: Evaluate industrial operations for compliance with permits or regulations related to the generation, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of hazardous materials or waste.
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: 83 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 81 (%) 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: 80 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 79 (%) 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: 78 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 77 (%) 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: 75 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 67 (%) 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: 67 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 64 (%) 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: 64 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 63 (%) 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: 62 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 61 (%) 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.
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 costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
Assess product or process usefulness.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
Create physical models or prototypes.
Design industrial equipment.
Design industrial processing systems.
Design structures or facilities.
Determine operational methods.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Direct industrial production activities.
Direct quality control activities.
Estimate operational costs.
Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
Implement design or process improvements.
Inspect operational processes.
Monitor activities affecting environmental quality.
Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
Operate industrial equipment.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Prepare drawings or diagrams of products or services.
Prepare operational reports.
Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Research human performance or health factors related to engineering or design activities.
Select project materials.
Test products for functionality or quality.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
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: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 80 (%) 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: 72 (%) 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: 70 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 68 (%) 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: 68 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 66 (%) 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: 63 (%) 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: 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.
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: 64 (%) 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: 64 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
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: 62 (%) 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: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
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: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Design industrial systems or equipment.
Activity: Design structures or facilities.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products.
Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies.
Activity: Explain technical details of products or services.
Activity: Implement procedures or processes.
Activity: Manage control systems or activities.
Activity: Monitor environmental conditions.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
Activity: Operate industrial processing or production equipment.
Activity: Plan work activities.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Purchase goods or services.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
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
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Development environment software:
C
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Studio
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Object or component oriented development software:
C++
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
UNIX
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
Advanced Dimensional Management 3D-GD&T
Autodesk Algor Simulation
Cadence PSpice
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing software
Inlet Technologies Semaphore
MathWorks Simulink
Minitab
MSC Software Adams
MSC Software Nastran
MSC Software Patran
Rockwell Automation Arena
Stat-Ease Design-Expert
Statistical software
Wilcox Associates PC-DMIS
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Autodesk Inventor
Dassault Systemes CATIA
IBM CATIA
IMSI TurboCAD
Kubotek CADKEY Wireframe
National Instruments Multisim
Plant design management system PDMS
PTC Creo Parametric
Siemens NX
Siemens Solid Edge
Three-dimensional modeling software
Three-dimensional parametric design software
Vectorworks Machine Design
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software (scroll table below):
Cimatron computer-aided design and manufacturing software
CNC Mastercam
Delcam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
Delcam PowerMILL
GibbsCAM
Materilise Magics
Planit Alphacam
Rapid prototyping software
Tebis computer aided design software
Vero Software SURFCAM
Data base user interface and query software:
Data entry software
Database software
Desktop communications software:
Eko
Development environment software:
Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code BASIC
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software:
Email software
IBM Notes
Microsoft Exchange
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Infor Industrial Essentials
Management information systems MIS
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Plant maintenance software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Graphics editing software
Graphics software
Industrial control software (scroll table below):
Artificial intelligence software
AVEVA InTouch HMI
Computer numerical control CNC software
Computerized numerical control CNC machine software
Computerized numerical control CNC software
EPLAN software
Fanuc CNC software
Human machine interface HMI software
Infinity QS ProFicient
Kinematic Engineering MicroMeasure IV
Manufacturing execution system MES
MASS Group FactoryLink SCADA HMI
National Instruments NI-DAQmx
PLC Automation Intellution iFIX
Programmable logic controller PLC software
Siemens SIMATIC HMI
Siemens SINUMERIK CNC
Statistical process control SPC software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
VIA Information Tools MAN-IT
Instant messaging software:
Blink
Internet browser software:
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Web browser software
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software (scroll table below):
ABB CPM4Metals
AspenTech Aspen InfoPlus
Horizon Software MRP Plus
Materials requirement planning MRP software
Production planning software
Object or component oriented development software:
G-code
Process mapping and design software:
ProModel
Video creation and editing software:
Loom
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
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: 36.9 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 25.5 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 14.7 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 12.0 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 9.7 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 1.3 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
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: 30.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 14.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 11.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 9.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 3.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 2.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
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?
American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) External Link
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) External Link
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) External Link
SES - The Society for Standards Professionals External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
3D Printing Tech (Three Dimensional Printing Technician)
Additive Manufacturing Production Technician
Additive Manufacturing Technician
Analysis Tester
Boiler Water Tester
Business Process Analyst
CAD Specialist (Computer Aided Design Specialist)
Cellophane Tester
Cloth Tester
Diagnostics Engineering Specialist
Efficiency Analyst
Efficiency Expert
Engineering Specialist
Engineering Technician
Engineering Technologist
Field Service Engineer
Field Service Technician
Final Operations Technician
Industrial Engineering Analyst
Industrial Engineering Technician
Industrial Engineering Technologist
Industrial Maintenance Technician (Industrial Maintenance Tech)
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Methods Consultant
Industrial Technician
Industrial Technologist
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Lean Six Sigma Specialist
Liaison Engineer
Line Technician
Machine Operator
Manufacturing Associate
Manufacturing Consultant
Manufacturing Coordinator
Manufacturing Engineering Technician
Manufacturing Engineering Technologist
Manufacturing Planner
Manufacturing Process Technician
Manufacturing Production Technician
Manufacturing Specialist
Manufacturing Technician
Manufacturing Technologist
Manufacturing Technology Analyst
Material Scheduler
Materials Planner
Metallurgical Lab Technician
Methods Engineer
Methods Specialist Engineer
Methods Study Analyst
Methods Time Analyst
Motion Study Analyst
Motion Study Engineer
Motion Study Technician
Operations Specialist
Operations Technician
Paper Tester
Personnel Quality Assurance Auditor
Planner
Plant Facilities Technician
Plant Technician (Plant Tech)
Process Documentation and Methods Analyst
Process Operator
Process Safety Engineering Technologist
Process Technician
Product Integrity Engineer
Production Analyst
Production Control Analyst
Production Control Expert
Production Control Planner
Production Control Technologist
Production Expert
Production Part Approval Process Coordinator (PPAP Coordinator)
Production Planner
Production Staff Worker
Production Technician
Productivity Engineer
Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
Quality Assurance Automation Engineer (QA Automation Engineer)
Quality Assurance Technician
Quality Control Analyst
Quality Control Engineering Technician (QC Engineering Technician)
Quality Control Expert
Quality Control Representative (QC Representative)
Quality Control Specialist
Quality Control Technician
Quality Controller
Quality Engineer
Quality Management Coordinator
Quality Methods Specialist
Quality Specialist
Quality Technician
Real Time Analyst
Reliability Engineer
Scheduler
Scientist
Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician
Semiconductor Processing Equipment Production Technician
Service Technician
Soda Tester
Solar Hot Water Heater Manufacturing Technician
Support Technician
Test Technician
Time Motion Analyst
Time Study Analyst
Time Study Observer
Time Study Technician
Time Study Technologist
Tool Planner
Traffic Rate Analyst
Woolen Tester
Yarn Tester
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians". 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 Engineering Technologists and Technicians". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians". 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 Engineering Technologists and Technicians


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 Engineering Technologists and Technicians" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page