Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Human factors engineers and ergonomists design products, workplaces, and systems with human needs in mind. They study how people interact with technology and environments to improve safety, efficiency, and comfort. These professionals work in manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, software development, and government agencies.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against human factors engineers and ergonomists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves conducting user research through observations and testing, analyzing data on how people use equipment or systems, and collaborating with designers and engineers on improvements. Tasks include reviewing workplace layouts for ergonomic issues, documenting usability problems, writing technical reports, and presenting findings to project teams. Some time goes to laboratory testing or field work to gather behavioral data.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're curious about how things actually function and how people interact with them. You enjoy investigating problems systematically and prefer hands-on observation over theory alone. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail matter more than persuasiveness.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $117,120 | $156,510 | $186,790 | 220 |
| Washington | $102,400 | $129,050 | $155,920 | 6,130 |
| Oregon | $100,850 | $128,290 | $165,780 | 5,810 |
| New Mexico | $96,810 | $128,090 | $160,240 | 1,140 |
| California | $98,380 | $124,600 | $154,190 | 32,680 |
| Hawaii | $97,190 | $123,800 | $155,770 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $97,520 | $122,920 | $154,320 | 1,710 |
| Wyoming | $93,160 | $122,070 | $142,500 | 240 |
| Delaware | $100,770 | $120,190 | $143,000 | 820 |
| Maryland | $98,870 | $119,930 | $153,340 | 3,900 |
| Colorado | $95,160 | $109,750 | $133,290 | 5,200 |
| Massachusetts | $96,100 | $109,420 | $132,260 | 11,470 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate Human Factors Professional (AHFP) — Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
- Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) — Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) — Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) — Association for Facilities Engineering
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) — Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against human factors engineers and ergonomists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2112.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.