Industrial Production Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Industrial Production Technologies prepares students for careers in modern manufacturing and production environments by integrating advanced technical knowledge with practical application. This program emphasizes the design, operation, and optimization of industrial systems to drive efficiency, quality, and innovation across diverse manufacturing sectors.
- Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Explores cutting-edge techniques such as CNC machining, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and precision casting used to create complex components with high accuracy and repeatability.
- Automation and Robotics Integration: Focuses on the deployment and programming of robotic systems and automated equipment to streamline production workflows and enhance operational consistency.
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement: Teaches methodologies like Six Sigma, Kaizen, and value stream mapping to eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall process efficiency.
- Quality Control and Assurance Systems: Covers statistical process control, inspection protocols, and compliance standards to ensure products meet rigorous industry specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Industrial Maintenance and Reliability Engineering: Provides training in predictive maintenance, failure analysis, and equipment lifecycle management to minimize downtime and extend asset longevity.
- Supply Chain and Production Planning: Examines inventory management, material requirements planning (MRP), and production scheduling to align manufacturing output with demand and resource availability.
- Technical Documentation and Safety Standards: Emphasizes the interpretation of blueprints, schematics, and safety regulations to ensure compliance and operational integrity in high-risk industrial settings.
Industrial Production Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Industrial Production Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Industrial Production Technologies degrees, including Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 73,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026 | $64,790 | $46,370 - $97,670 | 73,410 | $31.15 |
Industrial Production Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,390 in South Dakota to $94,110 in Alaska—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Washington, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 73,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Industrial Production Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 67 institutions offering Industrial Production Technologies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Industrial Production Technologies is found at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) (412 graduates), SOWELA Technical Community College (266 graduates), Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) (100 graduates), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) (98 graduates), and Nunez Community College (81 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,904 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Parishes Community College (RPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
412 | Gonzales, Louisiana | Public | rpcc.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
266 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
100 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | mybrcc.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
98 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| Nunez Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
81 | Chalmette, Louisiana | Public | nunez.edu |
| Metropolitan Community College (MCC-KC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
81 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | mcckc.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
59 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Camden County College (CCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
56 | Blackwood, New Jersey | Public | camdencc.edu |
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
|
50 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRA) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
46 | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Public | upra.edu |
| Wayne State College (WSC) |
Bachelor's
|
45 | Wayne, Nebraska | Public | wsc.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Other Award
|
35 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
34 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC) |
Other Award
|
34 | Belcourt, North Dakota | Private | tm.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Other Award
|
25 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Associate's
|
21 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
19 | Millersville, Pennsylvania | Public | millersville.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Washington State Community College (WSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Marietta, Ohio | Public | wscc.edu |
| Brightpoint Community College |
Other Award
|
16 | Chester, Virginia | Public | brightpoint.edu |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | tcc.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
16 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Jackson College |
Other Award
|
15 | Jackson, Michigan | Public | jccmi.edu |
| Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | University Center, Michigan | Public | svsu.edu |
| Randolph Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Asheboro, North Carolina | Public | randolph.edu |
| Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Abingdon, Virginia | Public | vhcc.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Other Award
|
13 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Bismarck State College (BSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Public | bismarckstate.edu |
| Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Big Stone Gap, Virginia | Public | mecc.edu |
| Middle Georgia State University (MGA) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Macon, Georgia | Public | mga.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Residency
|
11 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Danville Community College (DCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
11 | Danville, Virginia | Public | danville.edu |
| New River Community College (NRCC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Dublin, Virginia | Public | nr.edu |
| Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Cedar Bluff, Virginia | Public | sw.edu |
| Paul D Camp Community College (PDCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Franklin, Virginia | Public | pdc.edu |
| Wytheville Community College (WCC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Wytheville, Virginia | Public | wcc.vccs.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Other Award
|
8 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | tcatmemphis.edu |
| Rockingham Community College (RCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Wentworth, North Carolina | Public | rockinghamcc.edu |
| Dalton State College (DSC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Dalton, Georgia | Public | daltonstate.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Barton County Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Great Bend, Kansas | Public | bartonccc.edu |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Hampton, Virginia | Public | vpcc.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Associate's
|
4 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Public | centralvirginia.edu |
| Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Martinsville, Virginia | Public | patrickhenry.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) |
Associate's
|
3 | Wahpeton, North Dakota | Public | ndscs.edu |
| Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
3 | Melfa, Virginia | Public | es.vccs.edu |
| Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Alberta, Virginia | Public | southside.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| Valdosta State University (VSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | valdosta.edu |
| Washington County Community College (WCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Calais, Maine | Public | wccc.me.edu |
| Isothermal Community College (ICC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Spindale, North Carolina | Public | isothermal.edu |
| Henry Ford College (HFC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | hfcc.edu |
| Middlesex College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Edison, New Jersey | Public | middlesexcollege.edu |
| Edgecombe Community College (ECC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Tarboro, North Carolina | Public | edgecombe.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Monaca, Pennsylvania | Public | ccbc.edu |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | pvcc.edu |
| West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Wheeling, West Virginia | Public | wvncc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Industrial Production Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Industrial Production Technologies degree?
Salaries for Industrial Production Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $64,790 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $94,110 compared to $50,390 in South Dakota. Approximately 73,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Industrial Production Technologies programs?
Currently 67 accredited institutions offer Industrial Production Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include River Parishes Community College (RPCC) (412 graduates), SOWELA Technical Community College (266 graduates), and Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) (100 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Industrial Production Technologies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,300 in 2010 to a peak of 2,103 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,904 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Industrial Production Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 73,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Eng. Technologies Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Eng. Technologies field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Industrial Engineering Management
A program that focuses on the application of engineering principles to the planning and operational management of industrial and manufacturing operations, and prepares...
Engineering Design
An instructional program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to engineering problems involving marrying or coordinating multiple dissimilar systems to...
Packaging Science
A program that focuses on the application of scientific, technological, design, and business principles to the development of packages and packaging materials, including...
Engineering-Related Fields
Any instructional program in engineering-related fields not listed above.
Nanotechnology
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles and technical skills to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular...
Energy Systems Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing...