Industrial technology offers several career options, some requiring bachelor's degrees, others only a high school diploma. Professional certifications also can prove competency. Learn about two careers in the field - industrial production managers and machinery mechanics - as well as a related position, engineering manager.
Essential Information
A bachelor's degree is preferred for industrial production managers. Majors that are relevant to this career are industrial engineering and industrial production. There are several technical and community colleges out there that offer associate and certificate programs in industrial technology. These programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions after graduation.
Coursework includes plant layout, environmental health, lean manufacturing, OSHA safety standards and automation. Entry-level curriculum provides hands-on training in maintenance, installation and repair of industrial equipment.
| Career | Industrial Production Manager | Architectural and Engineering Manager | Industrial Machinery Mechanic |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent and 1-2 years of training |
| Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 1% | 3% | 16% |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $105,480 | $144,830 | $53,590 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in industrial technology have many job options available after graduation. Some job titles include engineering manager, production manager, industrial machinery mechanic and maintenance machinist.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Industrial machinery mechanics install and monitor the efficiency of complex equipment that is automated. In-depth knowledge of robotics and electronics is needed to succeed in this career field. Most managers divide their time between production and office work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the job growth from 2019-2029 is supposed to increase by 16%. The median salary for these professionals as of May 2019 is $53,590 annually.
Engineering Manager
As an engineering manager, you first work as an engineer before moving up to a management position. Duties of a manager include product development, project management and research. Plans are formulated regularly to help projects get completed as efficiently as possible. According to the U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth from 2019-2029 is expected to grow 3%.
Industrial Production Manager
Industrial production managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They help direct and coordinate the activities used to create different things, whether it's parts for cars or industrial supplies. The BLS reported that the job growth from 2019-2029 is expected to be change by 1%.
Career Overview
Manufacturing and production companies depend on efficiency to remain viable and profitable. Variables that can streamline operations include machinery and equipment layout, production methods, workflows, staffing, training, safety and technology. Industrial technology professionals manage these elements and make adjustments to them to meet production, quality, safety and budget requirements. They incorporate efficiency models into their operations, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
Industrial machinery mechanics install and monitor the efficiency of complex, automated equipment. They require in-depth knowledge of electronics and robotics to repair machines when necessary. Managers generally split their time between office and production work and collaborate with other members of management, including budget managers, sales managers and supply chain managers.
Education Requirements
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that a bachelor's degree is preferred for industrial production managers (www.bls.gov). Relevant majors include industrial technology and industrial engineering, though business administration or management could help with advancement. However, industrial machining mechanics typically require less education, though some postsecondary training is usually preferred. Several technical, vocational and community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in industrial technology to prepare graduates for entry-level jobs.
Coursework in an industrial technology program commonly includes plant layout, project management, environmental health, automation, lean manufacturing, quality metrics and OSHA safety standards. Some programs are designed to build on previous education or current experience in order to develop leadership and management skills. Entry-level curricula, like those offered in associate degree and certificate programs, also provide hands-on training in the installation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment.
Certification
Industrial technology professionals with a college degree could seek voluntary professional certification by completing the Certified Technology Manager (CTM) program through the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (www.atmae.org). The Association for Operations Management also offers the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation to those who qualify by completing specific coursework and passing five exams (www.apics.org).
Job Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected the employment of industrial production managers change by one percent from 2019-2029 (www.bls.gov). Automated processes were anticipated to inhibit job growth, and company trends in combining supervisory duties with work on the production line could also limit entry-level jobs in this field. Industrial machine mechanics, on the other hand, were predicted to see a growth of 16% due to the necessity of maintenance for automated machinery. As of May 2019, the BLS stated that the median annual salary for industrial production managers was $105,480 annually, while industrial machinery mechanics earned a median wage of $53,590 annually.
Becoming an industrial machinery mechanic does not require extensive education and job demands are high. Those who obtain higher education in industrial technology may pursue a career as industrial production managers, but job competition is strong for these positions.
