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Industrial Engineer

Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways for an organization to use its many resources: people, machines, materials, money, energy, and time.

Also Known As

Logistics Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Production Engineer

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers

2006 NOC-S

  • C041: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers

2011 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2016 NOC

  • 2141: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2021 NOC

  • 21321: Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21321.00: Industrial and manufacturing engineers
Duties
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Industrial engineers design, improve and implement integrated systems of human beings, materials, energy, information, and equipment to produce goods or services efficiently. For example, they may be involved with:

  • Planning how production or service systems will work
  • Measuring work performance
  • Establishing work standards and specifications
  • Establishing and managing quality standards
  • Designing logistics and supply chain networks
  • Analyzing project benefits and costs
  • Enhancing systems operations

Industrial engineers apply knowledge and skills from social as well as physical disciplines (for example, mathematics, statistics, engineering, chemistry, physics, psychology and sociology) to solve problems in a wide variety of industries (for example, education, agri-food, environment, distribution and transportation, health care, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing). They may specialize in facility layout and design, production planning, logistics systems design, ergonomics, manufacturing, project management or operations research.

Facility layout and design specialists:

  • Evaluate proposed sites for facilities
  • Design new buildings or redesign existing ones, taking into account factors such as product and people flow through the workplace (for example, shipping and receiving requirements, packaging methods), energy consumption and employee safety
  • Decide where machines, equipment and offices should be located to achieve maximum production at minimum cost
  • Create ergonomic workstation designs that reduce worker fatigue, eliminate unnecessary work steps and increase productivity

To evaluate proposed sites, they investigate:

  • Labour supplies
  • Transportation options for moving people, raw materials and finished goods
  • Fuel, power, water and utility costs and supplies
  • Sanitary and waste disposal systems
  • Fire protection
  • The cost of land, buildings, and taxes

Production planning specialists:

  • Evaluate production systems, equipment, work methods and products
  • Develop operating systems that reduce costs and increase quality and production
  • Use computers to analyze information about existing systems and simulate new ones
  • Devise work methods and determine how much work each machine or employee must produce to meet production targets
  • Establish methods of paying employees for the kind and amount of work they do
  • Plan systems to check the quality of finished products

Logistics systems specialists are concerned with:

  • The movement of materials and information from the purchasing of raw materials through to production, distribution, servicing and recycling
  • Preventative maintenance systems design and planning
  • Customer service
  • Inventory development
  • Transportation
  • Development of effective information systems
  • Market needs analysis and strategic planning

Management and operations specialists plan work patterns, systems and procedures, and make recommendations regarding improvements. They:

  • Develop and set up systems to control workflow, materials flow, paperwork and quality assurance of products and services
  • Set costs and arrange budgets
  • Assess, on an ongoing basis, how well methods, systems and procedures are working

For information about ergonomics, manufacturing engineering and operations research, see the Ergonomist, Manufacturing Engineer and Operations Research Analyst occupational profiles.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Because this engineering discipline is so varied in its applications, working conditions also vary. Some industrial engineers spend most of their working day observing production, asking questions and watching how work is done. Some work primarily in an office environment, writing specifications and meeting with other engineers and technologists. Others manage large projects.

Some overtime may be required to meet deadlines. Extended periods of travel may be required for international projects.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Your Work Personalities

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2023 OaSIS: 21321.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Industrial engineers need:

  • Curiosity
  • Imagination
  • Communication and social skills
  • The ability to visualize the effects of change
  • An interest in people and systems.

They should enjoy working on their own as well as in teams, making decisions, being creative and having variety in their work.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2016 NOC: 2141

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 40 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2021 and Nov 25, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Team player
Tasks: Develop maintenance standards, schedules and programs
Organized
Tasks: Develop flexible or integrated manufacturing systems and procedures
Tasks: Analyze costs of production
Accurate
Excellent oral communication
Excellent written communication
Work under pressure
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

Undergraduate degree programs in industrial engineering are offered by:

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 03, 2021
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Engineer

Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.

You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Industrial engineers can use their skills in almost any type of organization and are more widely distributed among industries than other engineers. They may work for:

  • Consulting firms
  • Financial institutions
  • Government institutions
  • Health care institutions
  • Manufacturing and industrial plants
  • Transportation companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Department stores
Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2016 NOC: 2141

82.3% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2021 NOC: 21321
Warm
Job Market
2,600
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2016 NOC: 2141
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
50
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 03, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

2021 NOC: 21321
Average Wage
$48.50
Per Hour
Average Salary
$98,168.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21321 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $53.05 $35.34 $37.09
Overall $24.34 $73.62 $48.50 $47.26
Top $26.00 $79.58 $56.11 $54.81

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Health Care & Social Assistance

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
54%
54%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
32%
32%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 03, 2021

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Chapter 889 website: iieuoft.weebly.com/iise-u-of-t.html

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 03, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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