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.
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. The role reports a median annual salary of $101,140 in the US with the middle 80% earning between $63,080 and $153,180 and is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (faster than average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.52 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Systems Analysis.
Salary distribution (US)
Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently asked questions
What does Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists do?
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.
How much does Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists earn?
The median annual salary for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists in the US is $101,140. The middle 80% of workers earn between $63,080 and $153,180 annually. Entry-to-mid-career earners typically fall between $78,700 and $123,640.
What is the job outlook for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists?
The role is projected to grow 11% over the next decade (faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 351,100 workers.
How do I become human factors engineers and ergonomists?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Systems Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists?
Our AI-durability model gives Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists a score of 0.52 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.
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