Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Initiative
Tasks
- 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.
- Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.
- Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
- Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Analyzing Data or Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Web platform development software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Program testing software
Skills
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Psychology
- English Language
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Human Factors ProfessionalCertifying Organization
Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Principles and Practice of Engineering - Control SystemsCertifying Organization
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Fundamentals of Engineering - Industrial and SystemsCertifying Organization
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Type
Core
Certificate name
Associate User Experience ProfessionalCertifying Organization
Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $NaN |
| Median (50%) | $NaN |
| High (90%) | $NaN |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 |
| Mid Level | $100,000 |
| Senior Level | $150,000 |
Employability
There are currently 336,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 377,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 12%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 12%
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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