Most Industrial Production Tech programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $59,822 right after finishing, climbing to $80,890 four years out.
Industrial Production Tech is a focused area of study within Engineering Tech. Graduates typically earn around $80,890 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 586 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 11,351 students complete this program each year. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$59,822
Median Earnings · 4yr
$80,890
Colleges Offering
586
Graduates / Year
11,351
Avg Net Price / yr
$12,689
How Much Do Industrial Production Tech Graduates Earn?
Industrial Production Tech graduates earn $80,890 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,191 and $99,266. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $59,822 climbs to $80,890 by year four.
$59,822
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$80,890
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$81,404
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Industrial Production Tech graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$61,19125th pct.
$80,890Median
$99,26675th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $80,890 against an estimated $50,756 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 126 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 11,351 students who complete Industrial Production Tech programs each year, the majority (36%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
22%36%28%
Associate's36%
Bachelor's28%
Certificate22%
What Can You Do With an Industrial Production Tech Degree?
Industrial Production Tech connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians leads at $78,190/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
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.
Top Colleges for Industrial Production Tech
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Industrial Production Tech students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Industrial Production Tech graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Industrial Production Tech is one of 19 specializations within Engineering Tech. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Industrial Production Tech program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Industrial Production Tech shows 4 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $80,890 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $59,822 at graduation to $80,890 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 14,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 586 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Slow job growthTop related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Industrial Production Tech Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Industrial Production Tech graduates earn?
Industrial Production Tech graduates earn a national median of $80,890 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,191 and $99,266. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Industrial Production Tech degree?
One year after graduation, Industrial Production Tech degree holders earn a median of $59,822. That climbs to $80,890 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Industrial Production Tech degree?
Industrial Production Tech degree holders pursue careers including Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians, which pays a median of $78,190/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Industrial Production Tech program take?
A Industrial Production Tech associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Industrial Production Tech?
586 colleges and universities in the United States offer Industrial Production Tech programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Industrial Production Tech degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $80,890 and an average net price of roughly $12,689/yr, a Industrial Production Tech degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Industrial Production Tech and Engineering Tech?
Industrial Production Tech is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering Tech field. The Engineering Tech major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Industrial Production Tech-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Industrial Production Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Industrial Production Tech graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Industrial Production Tech graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Industrial Production Tech graduates?
The job outlook for Industrial Production Tech graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +1.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +1.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Engineering Tech Programs
Other programs in Engineering Tech. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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