Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Specialties

The industrial sector offers a wide range of lucrative career opportunities. These roles not only command competitive salaries but also play crucial roles in the operational efficiency, safety, and innovation within various industries. Below is a list of some of the top-paying jobs in industrial specialties, along with their average salaries, job descriptions, and required education.

Project Manager

• Average Salary: $95,000 annually
• Job Description: Project Managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring that projects meet their designated timeframes and budget constraints.
• Responsibilities: Managing resources, coordinating with stakeholders, and maintaining project timelines.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in construction science, management, architecture, or engineering is typically required.

Quality Control Engineer

• Average Salary: $70,000 annually
• Job Description: These engineers monitor the quality of manufactured goods, ensuring that all products meet specific standards and customer expectations.
• Responsibilities: Implementing quality control protocols, conducting audits, and improving product quality.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in quality, industrial, or mechanical engineering is usually needed.

Safety Engineer

• Average Salary: $89,000 per year
• Job Description: Safety Engineers develop safety protocols to mitigate workplace risks, aiming to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Responsibilities: Designing safety systems and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in safety or occupational health and safety is commonly required.

Systems Engineer

• Average Salary: $99,000 annually
• Job Description: These professionals manage the lifecycle of systems within an organization, ensuring they operate harmoniously and efficiently.
• Responsibilities: Overseeing system design, development, implementation, and operation.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or a related field is essential.

Industrial Machine Mechanic

• Average Salary: $59,470 per year
• Job Description: These mechanics are tasked with installing, maintaining, and repairing industrial machinery, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
• Responsibilities: Conducting routine maintenance and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
• Required Education: High school diploma, with vocational training or apprenticeships being beneficial.

Pipefitter

• Average Salary: $60,090 annually
• Job Description: Pipefitters install and maintain piping systems that transport liquids, gases, and chemicals within various settings.
• Responsibilities: Reading blueprints, welding pipes, and ensuring system efficiency and safety.
• Required Education: High school diploma, along with specialized training or apprenticeships.

Industrial Designer

• Average Salary: $75,910 per year
• Job Description: Industrial Designers develop concepts for manufactured products, focusing on functionality and aesthetics.
• Responsibilities: Creating product designs, prototyping, and working with manufacturing teams.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a related field.

Robotics Engineer

• Average Salary: $96,310 annually
• Job Description: Robotics Engineers design and build robotic systems for various applications, enhancing automation and efficiency.
• Responsibilities: Developing robotic systems, programming, and conducting tests.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electronics, or a related field.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

• Average Salary: $95,000 per year
• Job Description: Professionals with this certification lead process improvement projects, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Responsibilities: Managing project teams, analyzing processes, and implementing improvements.
• Required Education: Certification in Lean Six Sigma, along with relevant experience.

Industrial Psychologist

• Average Salary: $85,000 annually
• Job Description: These psychologists focus on improving workplace dynamics and employee well-being through psychological principles.
• Responsibilities: Conducting research, developing training programs, and advising on organizational development.
• Required Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in industrial-organizational psychology.

Final Thoughts

Careers in industrial specialties offer a blend of challenging work, attractive salaries, and the opportunity to make significant contributions to the efficiency and safety of various industries. Whether your interest lies in engineering, project management, or psychology, there’s a high-paying role for you in the industrial sector.

Other Jobs in Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

• Best Paying Jobs in Capital Goods
• Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
• Best Paying Jobs in Metal Fabrications
• Best Paying Jobs in Oil & Gas Production
• Best Paying Jobs in Natural Gas Distribution
• Best Paying Jobs in Industrial Machinery/Components
• Best Paying Jobs in Electric Utilities Central
• Best Paying Jobs in Power Generation
• Best Paying Jobs in Oilfield Services/Equipment
• Best Paying Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies
• Best Paying Jobs in Steel/Iron Ore
• Best Paying Jobs in Electrical Products
• Best Paying Jobs in Semiconductors
• See All High-Paying Career Opportunities By Industry

Sources

The average salaries and job descriptions provided here are based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, Glassdoor, and PayScale:

• https://www.rightworksinc.com
• https://www.careercloud.com
• https://www.proincomefinder.com
• https://www.bls.gov/
• https://www.indeed.com/
• https://www.glassdoor.com/
• https://www.payscale.com/

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts