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The differences between industrial engineering technicians and industrial engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an industrial engineering technician and an industrial engineer. Additionally, an industrial engineer has an average salary of $76,501, which is higher than the $55,055 average annual salary of an industrial engineering technician.
The top three skills for an industrial engineering technician include process improvement, continuous improvement and CAD. The most important skills for an industrial engineer are continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and sigma.
| Industrial Engineering Technician | Industrial Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,055 | $76,501 |
| Hourly rate | $26.47 | $36.78 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 74,490 | 46,756 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Industrial Engineering Technicians help industrial engineers to devise efficient devices that integrate materials, energy, information, workers, and machines. They plan workflows, develop machinery layouts, prepare equipment layouts, analyze company production costs, and participate in statistical production studies. These professionals suggest revisions to equipment layout, operation, or material handling methods. They also interpret engineering formulas, schematic diagrams, and drawings. Moreover, they work with engineering and management staff members to determine reliability or quality standards.
An industrial engineer specializes in devising various systems to improve the workflow and the workforce in a manufacturing setting. One of their primary responsibilities is to understand all of the procedures in a manufacturing plant and develop strategies to resolve issues or improve production operations, such as designing a cost-efficient machine or system that will enhance the quality of goods and boost the productivity of workers. Moreover, it is also essential to adhere to all the company's policies and safety regulations to maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees.
Industrial engineering technicians and industrial engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Industrial Engineering Technician | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average salary | $55,055 | $76,501 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $74,000 | Between $59,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | LaGrange, GA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between an industrial engineering technician and an industrial engineer in terms of educational background:
| Industrial Engineering Technician | Industrial Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 78% |
| Most common major | Industrial Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | New York University |
Here are the differences between industrial engineering technicians' and industrial engineers' demographics:
| Industrial Engineering Technician | Industrial Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.2% Female, 23.8% | Male, 80.2% Female, 19.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 7.5% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 12.9% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |