What they do
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.
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Also called: |
Certified Professional Ergonomist, Cognitive Engineer, Consulting Ergonomist, Ergonomic Consultant, Ergonomics Consultant, Ergonomics Technical Advisor, Ergonomist, Human Factors Advisor, Human Factors Engineer, Occupational Ergonomist
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Wages
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Industrial Engineers* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 31.56 |
$65,630 |
25% |
$ 38.94 |
$81,000 |
Median |
$ 47.43 |
$98,660 |
75% |
$ 51.61 |
$107,360 |
90% |
$ 61.95 |
$128,850 |
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Average |
$ 47.46 |
$98,710 |
* You're seeing information for "Industrial Engineers" because it includes "Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
Industrial Engineers* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
| 18% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 13% |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 12% |
| 8% |
- Fabricated metal product manufacturing
| 6% |
* You're seeing information for "Industrial Engineers" because it includes "Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
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- Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
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- Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
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- Prepare reports or presentations summarizing results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
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- Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Industrial Engineers* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
707 |
2030 employment |
773 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.9% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
53 |
* You're seeing information for "Industrial Engineers" because it includes "Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Industrial Engineers* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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* You're seeing information for "Industrial Engineers" because it includes "Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Somewhat Important
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 29% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 62% |
Bachelor's degree | | 10% |
Associate's degree | | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Licensing
Vermont may require an occupational license: |
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Select a license for details |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
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- Develop technical methods or processes.
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- Advise others on health and safety issues.
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- Devise research or testing protocols.
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- Document design or operational test results.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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