The job outlook for ergonomists is positive. Vacancies for ergonomists have increased 65 percent since 2004, with an average growth of 4 percent per year. Demand for ergonomists is expected to increase, with over 35,000 new jobs by 2029. This represents an annual increase of 1 percent.
Ergonomists analyze the forces on the body when using equipment and machinery. They conduct workplace risk assessments and job safety analysis. Ergonomists often find their work rewarding as they contribute to improving safety, performance, and user experience. With experience and additional certifications, opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries may arise.
To become an ergonomist requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Many ergonomists have a master’s degree or doctorate. There is high demand for certified ergonomists, though the number of qualified practitioners is low. Ergonomics presents a blue ocean career opportunity.
Poor ergonomic environments predispose workers to preventable injuries and long-term health issues.
Ergonomists use data and techniques from several disciplines: anthropometry, biomechanics, psychology, and physiology. They help increase employee efficiency by remedying problems like poor lighting and uncomfortable furniture. Their widespread use has created demand for ergonomists to make computer workstations more user-friendly.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong growth for ergonomist jobs over the next decade. Some states with particularly high growth include Nevada, Utah, and Alabama.
Salary is a key factor that professionals consider when choosing a career path, and the field of Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics is no exception. An Ergonomist works at the intersection of design, technology, and human behavior, ensuring products, systems, and services are easy, safe, and efficient for people to use.
If you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, a resourceful approach to problem-solving, an interest in human behavior, and excellent attention to detail, you may find a career as an ergonomics specialist to be personally and professionally rewarding.
The terms ‘ergonomics’ and ‘human factors’ can be used interchangeably, although ‘ergonomics’ is often used in relation to the physical aspects of the environment, such as workstations and control panels, while ‘human factors’ is often used in relation to the wider system in which people work.
Cognitive ergonomics deals with the thought patterns involved in a job. Ergonomics can benefit several types of careers, and it continues to play a significant role in improving the health and safety of employees.
In this 1-hour OSHA Ergonomics Certificate course, you will learn the importance of ergonomics in the workplace and how to avoid ergonomic injuries by following OSHA guidelines.
Work in the field of human factors/ergonomics is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Instead of mentoring a company to practice ergonomics, you can help manufacturers design and market ergonomic goods.
Ergonomics Credentials are part of a career growth path. Learning how to perform office ergonomic evaluations is not only good for the individual but the organization as well.
Managers of public places, including hospitals, colleges, universities, and shopping malls, often want a person on the staff who has an ergonomics degree.
Employers look for a high standard of academic qualifications and you’ll typically need an undergraduate degree in ergonomics or human factors or a related degree such as psychology, engineering, or design. It’s also possible to take a postgraduate course in ergonomics.
Ergonomists implement strategies in three main areas: physical, cognitive, and organisational. By changing the job to fit the person, there are going to be fewer setbacks both physically and mentally. It will also result in a faster, higher-quality, and more efficient outcome for the leaders that are expecting to see performance out of their workers.