by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Industrial Technology involves the study of Industrial Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Industrial Engineers And Managers. Includes Instruction In Optimization Theory, Human Factors, Organizational Behavior, Industrial Processes, Industrial Planning Procedures, Computer Applications, And Report And Presentation Preparation. Read on to learn the key facts every industrial technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering industrial technology programs.
In the U.S., industrial technology is a widely-pursued major, with 3,881 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Industrial Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 153 schools to determine the best overall colleges for industrial technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of industrial technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Industrial Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations industrial technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a industrial technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a industrial technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several industrial technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 457 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 867 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,077 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,393 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 7 |
People currently working in careers related to industrial technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Some college courses | 24.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 13.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 7.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 6.3% |
| Master’s degree | 3.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in industrial technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying industrial technology opens doors to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to industrial technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to industrial technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 266,539 | 2.0% |
| Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 138,570 | -0.5% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of industrial technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $59,570 |
| 4 years | $66,536 |
| 5 years | $74,003 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for industrial technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers industrial technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $88,689 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $50,036 |
With 153 different industrial technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased industrial technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering industrial technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
