Summary Report for:
17-2112.01 - 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.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks
- Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
- Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
- Analyze complex systems to determine potential for further development, production, interoperability, compatibility, or usefulness in a particular area such as aviation.
- Apply modeling or quantitative analysis to forecast events such as human decisions or behaviors, the structure or processes of organizations, and the attitudes or actions of human groups.
- Assess the user-interface and usability characteristics of products.
- Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
- Conduct research to evaluate potential solutions related to changes in equipment design, procedures, manpower, personnel, or training.
- Design cognitive aids, such as procedural storyboards and decision support systems.
- Develop and implement research methodologies or statistical analysis plans to test and evaluate developmental prototypes used in new products and processes, such as cockpit designs, user workstations, or computerized human models.
- Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Industrial Engineers.
Employment data collected from Industrial Engineers.
| Median wages (2008) | $35.49 hourly, $73,820 annual |
| Employment (2006) | 201,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) | 
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) | 89,000 additional employees |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2006-2016 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.