How To Become a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

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.

Salary
$93610
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Master's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Master’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists what degree they had when they became a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist. Here are the results.
Master’s Degree
70.83%


Bachelor’s Degree
12.5%


Post-Master’s Certificate
8.33%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Human Factors Engineers or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Human Factors Engineers what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Packaging Science

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related scientific or technical field, such as engineering, biology, or chemistry. For some positions, a master’s degree is required in industrial hygiene, health physics, or a related subject.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Very Hard

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.


Related work experience required
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
29.17%


2 to 4 years
25%


4 to 6 years
25%


Job training
1 to 3 months

1 to 3 months
20.83%


6 months to 1 year
20.83%


Up to 1 month
16.67%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Recommended but not required

Although certification is voluntary, many employers encourage it. Certification is available through several organizations, depending on the field in which the specialists work. Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists must have graduated from an accredited educational program and have work experience to be eligible to take most certification exams.


Skills required

We asked other Human Factors Engineers if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Critical Thinking what does this mean
2. Complex Problem Solving what does this mean
3. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
4. Active Listening what does this mean
5. Speaking what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Human Factors Engineers are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Psychology what does this mean
2. English Language what does this mean
3. Engineering and Technology what does this mean
4. Mathematics what does this mean
5. Design what does this mean


Learn more about Human Factors Engineers

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Related to Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists Requirements

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists requirements, how to become Human Factors Engineers, degree required to be a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist, Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists license and certifications, majors to be a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist, is it hard to become a Human Factors Engineer and Ergonomist and how long does it take


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