Best institutions to study Industrial Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of industrial engineers and managers.
150 U.S. institutions graduated 4,201 Industrial Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0612, a specialization of Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06), and leads most directly to the Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 17-3026).
About Industrial Technology/Technician programs
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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Industrial Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support industrial engineers and managers by applying fundamental engineering principles and technical skills. This program is ideal for students interested in enhancing industrial processes and improving efficiency in various production environments.
Students will gain knowledge in optimization theory, human factors, organizational behavior, and industrial planning procedures. Coursework also includes training in computer applications and report preparation, equipping graduates with essential skills for the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Industrial Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree1,022 graduates / yr · 74 institutions24%
- Bachelor's degree1,007 graduates / yr · 53 institutions24%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year806 graduates / yr · 37 institutions19%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years616 graduates / yr · 24 institutions15%
- Master's degree613 graduates / yr · 12 institutions15%
- Award of less than 12 weeks91 graduates / yr · 7 institutions2.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate40 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Industrial Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,538 |
| 2013 | 4,728 |
| 2014 | 5,320 |
| 2015 | 4,981 |
| 2016 | 5,889 |
| 2017 | 5,613 |
| 2018 | 5,404 |
| 2019 | 5,352 |
| 2020 | 4,661 |
| 2021 | 4,525 |
| 2022 | 4,106 |
| 2023 | 3,897 |
| 2024 | 3,870 |
| 2025 | 4,201 |
Top 50 institutions for Industrial Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olympic College Bremerton, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 470 | 31% | — | $86,309 |
| 2 | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublicMaster's | 326 | 47% | — | $58,817 |
| 3 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 276 | 40% | — | $63,796 |
| 4 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 258 | 21% | — | $43,602 |
| 5 | Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 249 | 31% | — | $55,570 |
| 6 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MOPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 238 | 54% | — | $49,157 |
| 7 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicBachelor's | 162 | 63% | — | $63,324 |
| 8 | Black River Technical College Pocahontas, ARPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 78 | 55% | — | — |
| 9 | Vincennes University Vincennes, INPublicBachelor's | 78 | 39% | — | $44,323 |
| 10 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 72 | 83% | — | $68,582 |
| 11 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicAssociate's | 63 | 59% | — | — |
| 12 | San Juan College Farmington, NMPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 60 | 37% | — | — |
| 13 | Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KSPublicMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 57 | 57% | — | $64,703 |
| 14 | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 55 | 65% | — | $51,839 |
| 15 | Lamar University Beaumont, TXPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 54 | 37% | — | $84,746 |
| 16 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublicBachelor's | 52 | 62% | — | $73,283 |
| 17 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CAPublicBachelor's | 50 | 86% | — | $78,938 |
| 18 | Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MSPublicBachelor's | 50 | 67% | — | $57,923 |
| 19 | College of Lake County Grayslake, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 49 | 37% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MSPublicBachelor's | 49 | 49% | — | $75,493 |
| 21 | Northeast State Community College Blountville, TNPublicAssociate's | 48 | 33% | — | $34,861 |
| 22 | Bossier Parish Community College Bossier City, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 44 | 15% | — | — |
| 23 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 43 | 47% | — | $78,820 |
| 24 | Heartland Community College Normal, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 43 | 54% | — | — |
| 25 | Western Nevada College Carson City, NVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 38 | 41% | — | — |
| 26 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 37 | 57% | — | $42,807 |
| 27 | Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LAPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 35 | 45% | — | $47,453 |
| 28 | North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NCPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 35 | 57% | — | $44,378 |
| 29 | Tarleton State University Stephenville, TXPublicBachelor's | 34 | 48% | — | $55,036 |
| 30 | Danville Community College Danville, VAPublicAssociate's | 34 | 39% | — | $55,860 |
| 31 | Aims Community College Greeley, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 29 | 40% | — | — |
| 32 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAssociate's | 29 | 46% | — | $64,485 |
| 33 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicBachelor's | 27 | 56% | — | $60,675 |
| 34 | South Arkansas College El Dorado, ARPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 25 | 30% | — | — |
| 35 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 54% | — | — |
| 36 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 25 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 37 | Wytheville Community College Wytheville, VAPublicAssociate's | 25 | 47% | — | — |
| 38 | Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 23 | 33% | — | — |
| 39 | Bismarck State College Bismarck, NDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 21 | 47% | — | $82,310 |
| 40 | Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VAPublicAssociate's | 21 | 42% | — | — |
| 41 | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, ARPublicBachelor's | 20 | 40% | — | $61,946 |
| 42 | University of Idaho Moscow, IDPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 20 | 57% | — | — |
| 43 | Holmes Community College Goodman, MSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 20 | 39% | — | — |
| 44 | Patrick & Henry Community College Martinsville, VAPublicAssociate's | 20 | 42% | — | — |
| 45 | Southeast Arkansas College Pine Bluff, ARPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 19 | 28% | — | — |
| 46 | Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MOPublicBachelor's | 19 | 58% | — | $56,951 |
| 47 | Southern Arkansas University Tech Camden, ARPublicAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 18 | 62% | — | $33,148 |
| 48 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, INPublicBachelor'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 43% | — | $78,215 |
| 49 | Neosho County Community College Chanute, KSPublicAssociate's | 18 | 34% | — | — |
| 50 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 18 | 23% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 39 states & territories
Where Industrial Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3026, Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Industrial Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. The job outlook indicates little or no change in employment, with approximately 6,300 annual job openings and a median wage of $64,790, typically requiring an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0612
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 17-3026 | $66,120 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~6,300 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Industrial Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
- Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
- Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
- Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
- Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
- Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
Tools and technology used
Other Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06).
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0613
Technician 5,247 graduates / yr272 institutions - Industrial Production Technologies/CIP 15.0699
Technicians 2,268 graduates / yr66 institutions - Welding Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0614
Technician 507 graduates / yr27 institutions - Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0607
Technician 280 graduates / yr23 institutions - Composite Materials Technology/CIP 15.0617
Technician partial data114 graduates / yr8 institutions - Metallurgical Technology/CIP 15.0611
Technician partial data82 graduates / yr5 institutions - Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/CIP 15.0616
Technician 82 graduates / yr10 institutions - Chemical Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0615
Technician partial data67 graduates / yr5 institutions
See all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, or various awards based on your study duration.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 6,300 annual openings.
What is the typical wage for this career?+
The median wage for Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians is $64,790.
What is the CIP code for Industrial Technology/Technician?+
Industrial Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0612 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.06). NCES defines it as: 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.
How many institutions offer Industrial Technology/Technician programs?+
150 U.S. institutions reported Industrial Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 39 states & territories, awarding 4,201 credentials in the year. That is 32.7% of all Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Industrial Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Industrial Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $66,120 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $57,923 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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