Human Factors Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$101K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

11.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Human Factors Engineer?

A Human Factors Engineer, also known as an Ergonomics Engineer, specializes in designing products, systems, or processes that optimize human well-being and overall system performance. They apply knowledge from psychology, physiology, and engineering to ensure that human interaction with products and systems is as efficient and safe as possible.

Sample job titles:

Engineer, Ergonomist, Human Factors Engineer, Occupational Ergonomist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Human Factors Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Human Factors Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$70K per year	$82K per year	$101K per year	$127K per year	$157K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $52K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Human Factors Engineer do?

Work environment

Human Factors Engineers typically work in office settings but may also spend time in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or field settings, depending on the projects. They are employed across various industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace. Their role often involves collaboration with designers, engineers, and other professionals.

Quick task list

Designs and evaluates products, systems, and processes to enhance usability and improve human interaction.
Conducts research and usability testing to understand user needs and behaviors.
Collaborates with design teams to integrate human factors into product design.
Develops guidelines and standards for product design based on ergonomic principles.
Analyzes and solves problems related to human-system interaction.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Ergonomic Product Design: Focusing on designing products that are comfortable and efficient for human use.
Human-Computer Interaction: Specializing in the design and evaluation of user interfaces for software and digital systems.
Workplace Ergonomics: Enhancing the design of workplaces to improve comfort, safety, and productivity.
Aerospace Human Factors: Concentrating on the design and operation of aircraft and space vehicles with a focus on pilot and crew interactions.
Automotive Human Factors: Specializing in the design and evaluation of automobile controls, displays, and systems for driver usability and safety.

Description

Human Factors Engineers play a critical role in bridging the gap between human capabilities and the design of products and systems. Their work is grounded in the understanding that a product's design profoundly impacts its usability, safety, and effectiveness. By applying principles from psychology and physiology, along with engineering techniques, they ensure that products and systems are tailored to meet the needs and limitations of users.

In their day-to-day role, these engineers conduct extensive research and testing to understand how people interact with systems and products. They use this data to inform design decisions, aiming to enhance user experience, increase productivity, and minimize the risk of errors or accidents. Their work involves a lot of problem-solving and creative thinking, as they need to anticipate potential issues and develop innovative solutions.

The field of human factors engineering is dynamic and constantly evolving, with new challenges emerging as technology advances. This requires professionals to be lifelong learners, staying updated with the latest research and developments in human interaction and ergonomics. Their work often leads to significant improvements in various domains, from consumer electronics to workplace safety and healthcare.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Improving the safety, comfort, and efficiency of products and systems.
The challenge of solving complex problems that blend human behavior with technology.
Seeing the tangible impact of one's work on enhancing user experience and wellbeing.

You might make a good Human Factors Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by how people interact with technology and systems.
Skilled in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Interested in psychology, physiology, and engineering.
Creative, with a keen eye for detail.
Good at communicating and working in multidisciplinary teams.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a variety of industries and on diverse projects.
High satisfaction from improving user experience and safety.
Growing field with the advancement of technology.

Cons:

May involve extensive research and long periods of trial and error.
Keeping up with rapid technological changes and new research can be challenging.
Balancing user needs with technical feasibility and business goals can be complex.

How to become a Human Factors Engineer

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in human factors engineering, ergonomics, industrial engineering, or a related field is usually required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions, especially those in specialized fields or research, may require a master's or doctoral degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and Physics to build a strong foundation in analytical skills.
Psychology to understand human behavior and cognitive processes.
Computer Science to get acquainted with technology and user interfaces.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in robotics clubs or design competitions.
Volunteering for community projects that involve design or technology.
Engaging in activities that require problem-solving and creative thinking.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in human factors engineering, ergonomics, industrial engineering, or a related field.
Consider internships or co-op programs in industries such as technology, healthcare, or automotive.
Engage in research projects or labs focusing on human-system interaction.

More resources

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) - Offers resources and networking for professionals in human factors and ergonomics.
International Ergonomics Association (IEA) - Provides a global network and resources in ergonomics.
Usability.gov - A resource for usability best practices and guidelines.
Interaction Design Foundation - Offers online courses and literature on interaction design and human-computer interaction.

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