How to become a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist
Official title: Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Also called: Board Certified Ergonomist, Certified Professional Ergonomist, Cognitive Engineer, Engineer, Ergonomic Consultant, Ergonomics Technical Advisor, Ergonomist, Human Factors Advisor, Human Factors Engineer, Occupational Ergonomist
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.
Main tasks
- Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
- Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
- Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
- Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
- Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
- Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
- Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
- Provide technical support to clients through activities, such as rearranging workplace fixtures to reduce physical hazards or discomfort or modifying task sequences to reduce cycle time.
How to become one
Industrial engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Engineering degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 45 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $102,440 a year The middle half earn $83,600 to $129,250.
- About 365,100 people work in this job now, and about 410,600 are projected by 2035. (+12.4%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Related jobs
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Validation Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist?
Industrial engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
How much does a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $102,440 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $83,600 to $129,250.
Is a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 365,100 to about 410,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist?
Usually. 77% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Human Factors Engineer or Ergonomist?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.