Human Factors Engineers & Ergonomists

Also Called: Consulting Ergonomist, Ergonomist, Human Factors Engineer, Occupational Ergonomist

What Human Factors Engineers & Ergonomists do

Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.

  • Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
  • Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
  • Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing Construction Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

Tools

  • Physiological recorders
  • Dynamometers
  • Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter
  • Digital camcorders or video cameras
  • Oxygen gas analyzers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Web platform development software
AJAX
JavaScript Object Notation JSON

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Math and Science
psychology
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 48% Master's degree
  • 19% Doctoral degree
  • 14% Post-baccalaureate certificate

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Human Factors Engineers & Ergonomists across the country typically make.

$31.40 / hour
$65,320 /year

Entry Level

$47.78 / hour
$99,380 /year

Median Level

$68.38 / hour
$142,220 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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