Someone with a degree in industrial technology will commonly go on to work in manufacturing companies, where their job is to improve and maintain productivity. Most employers prefer at least a bachelor's degree.
Essential Information
Industrial technology programs provide management education to prepare graduates to develop and oversee the operations, policies and procedures of manufacturing businesses. Graduates of industrial technology programs apply the scientific method to business problems.
| Career Titles | Industrial Production Managers | Cost Estimators | Sales Managers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | A bachelor's degree in business administration or industrial engineering | A bachelor's degree in engineering, building science or construction management | A bachelor's degree with coursework in business law, economics, management or a related discipline |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 1% | -1% | 4% |
| Median Annual Salary (2020)* | $108,790 | $66,610 | $132,290 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
Graduates of a degree program in industrial technology can find work in a variety of career fields. Some areas of opportunity include industrial production management, cost estimation and sales management.
Industrial Production Manager
Industrial production managers use their logistic and administrative skills to oversee the production of goods. Their duties include ensuring that production is on time and within a set budget. They might institute or follow quality control programs to ensure safety and meet industry or government standards.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job openings for industrial production managers were expected to show a slow growth of 1% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that the median salary for these workers was $108,790, as of May 2020.
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators in industrial technology possess an extensive knowledge of industry-specific pricing. They use this knowledge to assess the cost of parts, materials and labor needed to produce goods. According to the BLS, employers prefer to hire cost estimators with bachelor's degrees in a relevant field and applicable job experience; consequently, graduates of industrial technology degree programs might need to accumulate experience with construction materials before entering this career.
A May 2020 BLS report showed that cost estimators' median annual salary was $66,610. Employment for cost estimators was anticipated to decline by 1% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS.
Sales Manager
Sales managers institute programs to increase the revenue of an organization or business. These professionals are trained on products and services and follow market trends to maximize profits. Those with an industrial technology background might work in the manufacturing industry.
The BLS reported that jobs for sales managers were expected to grow by 4% from 2019-2029, which is about average. In 2020, the median salary for sales managers was $132,290.
Industrial Technology Degree Programs
In college, individuals who want to learn about industrial technology study inputs and outputs, conduct experiments and gather data to find better ways to manage technological systems. In contrast with industrial engineering students, most students of industrial technology do not study how to design these industrial systems, but rather focus on application operation and management. Curricula generally include chemistry, physics, math and manufacturing technology.
An industrial technology degree can land a graduate a job as a cost estimator, sales manager, or industrial production manager. Most programs include courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry as well as the technology of manufacturing. Jobs and salaries vary, depending on the position.
