Engineering & Architecture · SOC 17-2112.01
Human factors mixes data analysis with physical observation — AI augments but cannot replace human-centered judgment.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI-powered analysis tools will accelerate data review and pattern detection within 3–5 years, but physical inspection and human-centered advocacy keep ergonomists relevant through the decade.
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$72,740 median pay
$104,170 median pay
$117,750 median pay
$58,890 median pay
$72,740 median pay
$121,860 median pay
AI job-risk card
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists is 42/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
42 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Reviewing safety records and injury data, Preparing reports and presentations on findings, Assessing user interface usability, Designing human-machine system studies. Harder to automate: Physical worksite inspection and hazard identification, Direct observation and video-based task analysis, Integrating human factors into physical hardware, Advocating for end users in design reviews.
Lean into Usability research methods, Human-machine interface design, AI-assisted ergonomic analysis, Workplace health and safety, User-centered design. Consider roles such as UX researcher for industrial systems or Workplace health and safety manager or Human systems integration specialist.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.