As of June 2026, Industrial Engineers has an AI-exposure score of 62/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Industrial Engineers
More exposed than 73% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$102,440. About 25,200 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Architecture & Engineering roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
- Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
- Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.
- Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organization charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.
- Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
- Regulate and alter workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times to expedite production operations.
- Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts, and assess cost and responsibility.
- Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
- Complete production reports, purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists.
- Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
- Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
- Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
- Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
- Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
- Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
- Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.
- Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
- Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (65%).
Safer adjacent roles
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Industrial Engineers — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$102,440. More states are being added.