Ergonomist

Alternative titles for this job include Human factors specialist

Ergonomists research ways to design products, workplaces or systems to suit the people who use them.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Ergonomist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can become an ergonomist by doing a degree that includes ergonomics as part of the course, for example:

  • occupational therapy
  • physiotherapy
  • psychology
  • sports science
  • design engineering

You can also take a postgraduate course in ergonomics and human factors, after completing a first degree, or if you have a lot of professional experience in this type of work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a related degree or several years' relevant experience

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply to do a Human Factors Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

It can take around 3 years to complete, and is a mix of on-the-job training and higher education study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you work in an area like transport, healthcare, design engineering or health and safety you could take industry-recognised training courses in ergonomics to further your career. You might then look to take up postgraduate study.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors for professional development training, events and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can learn more about careers in ergonomics from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • analytical thinking skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge
  • active listening skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an ergonomist, you could:

  • visit businesses and speak to staff about how they work
  • collect and analyse workplace data
  • identify issues with equipment, processes and the working environment
  • advise businesses on how to improve staff wellbeing, safety and efficiency
  • contribute to the re-design of equipment and systems to benefit all staff
  • act as an expert witness in cases of industrial injury

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or at a university.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into line management or project management.

You might wish to specialise as a consultant in a particular industry, for example:

  • robotics engineering
  • healthcare and medical technology
  • transport
  • power generation

You could also work towards Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors Specialist status. This gives recognition of your skills and expertise in ergonomics.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an Ergonomist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Design Engineering

  • Provider: RUNSHAW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Leyland

Design & Technology : Design Engineering

  • Provider: NETHERTHORPE SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: CHESTERFIELD

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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