Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
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.
Also called: Board Certified Ergonomist, Certified Professional Ergonomist, Cognitive Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Psychologist, Ergonomic Consultant
Median pay
$102,440
Pay for the broader BLS group “Industrial Engineers”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$74,370 – $159,860
People employed
365,740
Whole BLS group
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Industrial Engineers”.
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists salary in every state →
What human factors engineers and ergonomists do
- 01Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
- 02Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
- 03Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
- 04Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
- 05Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
- 06Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Psychology
- English Language
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from human factors engineers and ergonomists
- Computer and Information Research Scientists84% · —
- Health Informatics Specialists83% · group pay
- Data Scientists76% · —
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists74% · —
- Operations Research Analysts73% · —
Change into human factors engineers and ergonomists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Health Informatics Specialists76% · $105,850
- Operations Research Analysts73% · $88,940
- Bioinformatics Scientists72% · $98,920
- Industrial Ecologists72% · $82,220
- Statisticians72% · $105,650
Majors that lead here
- Systems Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering/Industrial Management
- Packaging Science
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.