All About Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist
- Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
- Investigate theoretical or conceptual issues, such as the human design considerations of lunar landers or habitats.
- Operate testing equipment, such as heat stress meters, octave band analyzers, motion analysis equipment, inclinometers, light meters, thermoanemometers, sling psychrometers, or colorimetric detection tubes.
- Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.
- Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
- Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools such as checklists, surveys, videotaping or force measurement.
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Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist Needed Skills
When polled, Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist Jobs
- President Ergonomic Consulting
- Managing Cognitive Engineer
- Human Factors Ergonomist
- Senior Research Associate
- User Experience Team Lead
Job Demand for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
There were about 257,900 jobs for Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,100 new jobs for Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist by 2026. The BLS estimates 19,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist are Nevada, Utah, and Alabama. Watch out if you plan on working in New Mexico, Vermont, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist
The typical yearly salary for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists is somewhere between $56,470 and $132,340.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists who work in Wyoming, Washington, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
How much do Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $87,870 |
| Arizona | $95,940 |
| Arkansas | $77,100 |
| California | $107,810 |
| Colorado | $100,460 |
| Connecticut | $89,830 |
| Delaware | $94,590 |
| District of Columbia | $88,380 |
| Florida | $77,410 |
| Georgia | $86,220 |
| Hawaii | $95,590 |
| Idaho | $94,830 |
| Illinois | $88,850 |
| Indiana | $74,430 |
| Iowa | $82,770 |
| Kansas | $79,580 |
| Kentucky | $79,170 |
| Louisiana | $99,090 |
| Maine | $88,020 |
| Maryland | $102,200 |
| Massachusetts | $102,210 |
| Michigan | $89,330 |
| Minnesota | $90,580 |
| Mississippi | $82,040 |
| Missouri | $87,620 |
| Montana | $100,640 |
| Nebraska | $85,950 |
| Nevada | $87,140 |
| New Hampshire | $91,530 |
| New Jersey | $98,050 |
| New Mexico | $102,120 |
| New York | $94,700 |
| North Carolina | $87,110 |
| North Dakota | $79,980 |
| Ohio | $84,060 |
| Oklahoma | $85,280 |
| Oregon | $90,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $86,080 |
| Rhode Island | $97,610 |
| South Carolina | $87,080 |
| South Dakota | $82,780 |
| Tennessee | $84,070 |
| Texas | $109,880 |
| Utah | $89,830 |
| Vermont | $79,700 |
| Virginia | $93,980 |
| Washington | $106,980 |
| West Virginia | $94,480 |
| Wisconsin | $77,260 |
| Wyoming | $102,730 |
What Tools do Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- jQuery
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Computer aided design CAD software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Adobe Systems Adobe Flash
Becoming a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist
Education needed to be a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists employed by various industries.
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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