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For Educators: Military Resources

Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

Median Salary
99,380
Job Outlook
+12%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 25,200 openings for industrial engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$78,790

10%

$99,380

Median

$125,830

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    50%

  • Bachelor's degree

    40%

  • Post baccalaureate

    10%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Engineering/Industrial Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Packaging Science

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Psychology
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.