O*NET-SOC 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.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 5 – Extensive preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresExtensive skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETFalse (No)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b4.008/2024
Complex Problem Solving2.B.2.i4.008/2024
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a4.008/2024
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a4.008/2024
Speaking2.A.1.d4.008/2024
Writing2.A.1.c4.008/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Deductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.44.008/2024
Inductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.54.008/2024
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.008/2024
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.008/2024
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.24.008/2024
Written Expression1.A.1.a.44.008/2024

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.Core2008/2024
Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.Core2008/2024
Advocate for end users in collaboration with other professionals, including engineers, designers, managers, or customers.Core2008/2024
Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.Core2008/2024
Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.Core2008/2024

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Investigative6.2211/2023
Realistic4.6711/2023
Conventional4.2411/2023
Enterprising2.6511/2023
Artistic2.5711/2023
Social2.211/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 5

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.