Industrial Process Technician

    Engineering Technology

    CIP Name: Industrial Process Technician|CIP Code: 15.0612
    SOC Code: 17-3026

    Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of industrial engineers and managers.

    $65K
    Median Salary
    +1.7%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    6.3K
    Jobs/Year

    What Industrial Process Technicians Do

    Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of industrial engineers and managers.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
    • 2Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
    • 3Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
    • 4Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
    • 5Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.

    What You'll Learn

    optimization theoryhuman factorsorganizational behaviorindustrial processesindustrial planning procedurescomputer applicationsreport and presentation preparation

    Types of Industrial Process Technicians

    Business Process AnalystEngineering TechnicianIndustrial Engineering AnalystIndustrial Engineering TechnicianManufacturing CoordinatorManufacturing Technology AnalystQuality Control Engineering Technician (QC Engineering Technician)Quality Management CoordinatorQuality TechnicianService Technician

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Manufacturing plants
    • • Warehouses and distribution centers
    • • Quality assurance and testing labs
    • • Corporate operations or engineering offices
    • • Industrial equipment and assembly facilities

    Schedule

    Work is typically full-time on an established routine schedule, with moderate time pressure tied to production deadlines.

    Physical Demands

    The job is a mix of desk work and time on the production floor, with moderate sitting, standing, walking, and handling of objects. Some bending/twisting and repetitive motions occur, but heavy climbing or kneeling is usually limited.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $64,790
    $46,363$97,676+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $46,363
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $53,227
    Median
    50th percentile
    $64,790
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $79,040
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $97,676+

    National Employment: 74,600 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may grow as manufacturers and logistics operations invest in efficiency, quality, and process improvement to reduce costs and meet delivery expectations. Increased use of data-driven production and continuous improvement programs can also create more technician-level support roles.

    Skills You'll Need

    Data collection and basic statistical analysisTime study and process mapping (lean/continuous improvement)Attention to detail and documentationProblem-solving and root-cause analysisComfort with spreadsheets and basic computer applicationsCommunication and presentation skillsTeamwork and ability to work with production staffUnderstanding of safety and quality standards

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Work that directly improves efficiency and quality
    • Good pay potential without requiring an engineering degree
    • Skills transfer across many industries
    • Blend of hands-on floor work and analytical office work
    • Clear pathways into quality, manufacturing, or process analyst roles

    Cons

    • Moderate time pressure and tight production deadlines
    • Can involve repetitive documentation and data collection
    • May need to work around noise, heat, or industrial environments
    • Process changes can be unpopular with production teams
    • Job growth can track manufacturing cycles
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Industrial Process Technician Trade

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