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.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
SOC: 17-2112 O*NET: 17-2112.01
Median Salary
$101,140
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
25.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$70,000
10th percentile
Early Career
$81,910
25th percentile
Median
$101,140
50th percentile
Experienced
$127,480
75th percentile
Top Earners
$157,140
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$70,000
25th
$81,910
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$101,140
Mean: $107,900
75th
$127,480
90th
$157,140
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $87,140 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $81,910 and $127,480
- •Salary spread is 45.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 350,230 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:351,100
Top Industries
Manufacturing67.7%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing15.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services14.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11%
Annual Openings:25,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)351,100
Current
2034 (Projected)389,600
+11%
+38,500
Employment Change
+11%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Michigan
31,850 jobs$99,6803.19x
Texas
29,620 jobs$103,4300.94x
California
25,830 jobs$123,0700.63x
Ohio
22,310 jobs$99,4901.78x
Minnesota
18,000 jobs$101,6002.71x
Illinois
16,590 jobs$99,9901.20x
Florida
15,310 jobs$103,3400.69x
Wisconsin
12,660 jobs$95,0901.91x
New York
12,640 jobs$101,7700.58x
Pennsylvania
12,550 jobs$96,3200.92x
North Carolina
11,620 jobs$97,1501.04x
Indiana
10,990 jobs$97,0801.52x
Massachusetts
10,650 jobs$108,3501.29x
Alabama
8,040 jobs$99,1201.69x
Georgia
7,410 jobs$98,5500.67x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Science
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Operations Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Science
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Science
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Animal Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Biological Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Chemists82%
5 shared skills
Forensic Science Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
GitHub
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Microsoft Visual Studio
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (7)General Responsibilities (6)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Management & Supervision (2)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Develop manufacturing methods, labor utilization standards, and cost analysis systems to promote efficient staff and facility utilization.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Draft and design layout of equipment, materials, and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency using drafting tools and computer.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Formulate sampling procedures and designs and develop forms and instructions for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality and reliability data.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Record or oversee recording of information to ensure currency of engineering drawings and documentation of production problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.70
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.50
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.35
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.35
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.35
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.25
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Concern for Others
4.3
Dependability
4.2
Persistence
4.1
Innovation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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