Ergonomist
Also known as: ergonomists, ergonomic scientist, ergonomic analyst, ergonomic researcher, ergonomic research analyst, ergonomic science researcher
About this occupation
Ergonomists analyse the design of equipment, furniture, and systems in order to improve it toward safer, healthier, and more efficient ones. They strive to improve the interaction of people with equipment and the environment.
A specialisation of health and safety officer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- analyse ergonomics in different workplaces
- human anatomy
- draw design sketches
- draft design specifications
- copyright legislation
- ergonomics
- conduct research on trends in design
- mathematics
- identify customer's needs
- determine suitability of materials
- consult with design team
- use CAD software
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists (O*NET 17-2112.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$102,440 a year (2025), 365,740 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.9)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.0)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Industrial Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Validation Engineers
- Data Scientists
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Robotics Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.