.jpg)
Human Factors Engineers
Human Factors Engineers 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.
Table of Contents
Job description
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.
- Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
- 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.
- Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
Salary
Human Factors Engineers with little to no experience tend to make between $56470 and $69690 while the more experienced ones can earn over $108560 per year.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| TX | $53 | $109,880 |
| CA | $52 | $107,810 |
| WA | $51 | $106,980 |
| WY | $49 | $102,730 |
| MA | $49 | $102,210 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist is to move to a higher paying state like TX. Right now, the highest paying states for Human Factors Engineers are TX, CA, WA, WY and MA.
However, a higher pay at TX doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at TX might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Human Factors Engineers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Master’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
| Industrial Engineering |
| Manufacturing Engineering |
| Packaging Science |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally |
| Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented |
| Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers) |
| Demand for this career is growing |
| CONS |
|---|
| Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs |
| It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience is required for this career. |
What is the job like
70% of Human Factors Engineers said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Learn more about Human Factors Engineers
| Summary (You are here) | |
| Job Description | |
| Salary | |
| Requirements | |
| Quiz |
Related career information
Human Factors Engineers job description, Human Factors Engineers salary, Human Factors Engineers information, what is the job of a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist like, pros and cons about Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists, colleges and universities for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists, is Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists the right career for me, careers in Architecture and Engineering
Similar careers
Chief Engineer, Consultant in Ergonomics and Safety, Engineering Psychologist, Ergonomist, Human Factors Advisor, Lead, Human Factors Engineer, Human Factors Ergonomist, Human Factors Scientist, Human Factors Specialist, Interface Designer