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Human Factors Professional, Human Factors Specialist, Injury Prevention Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $35.70 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $47.99 |
| Top | $59.05 |
Interest in co-ordinating information to evaluate working and living environments
Interest in consulting with clients to ensure that the design, configuration and use of equipment, procedures and environmental conditions maximize safety, productivity and comfort
Interest in handling equipment to conduct research
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Ergonomics is about ensuring a good fit between people and the tools, equipment, and products they use where they play, travel, and work. It is a multi-disciplinary field that includes:
Ergonomists ensure that the design of products, tasks, and work methods is compatible with human performance. They evaluate human and machine systems by observing, measuring, and grading how people interact with each other and their equipment and workspaces. They do this to maximize safety, efficiency, and well-being. To accomplish this they may:
Ergonomists work in diverse settings including laboratories, industry, offices, and teaching environments. They work with a wide variety of people including workers, union officials, managers, other professionals, students, and the public.
They may work overtime, evenings, and weekends to meet project deadlines or to assess systems involving shift workers.
Ergonomists need:
They should enjoy:
The minimum education requirement is generally a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Increasingly, ergonomists have certification or post-secondary education such as a master’s degree in ergonomics, psychology, human kinetics, human factors, or biomedical engineering. Those working in systems design may have a master’s degree in industrial engineering. For more information, see the Industrial Engineer occupational profile.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is voluntary in Alberta. Ergonomists may belong to the Association of Canadian Ergonomists and be certified through the Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists. To qualify for certification, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with specified course content or an equivalent combination of education and experience. They must also meet competency and work experience requirements.
Ergonomists work for:
Self-employed ergonomists may contract their services to a variety of employers.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the size and nature of the organization and the ergonomist’s qualifications.
Ergonomists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4161: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 4161: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 78 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.70 | $52.51 | $35.70 | $35.83 |
| Overall | $27.47 | $89.03 | $47.99 | $46.49 |
| Top | $32.97 | $97.72 | $59.05 | $50.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $97,466 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,250 |
| Public Administration | $87,198 |
| Educational Services | $55,243 |
Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) website: ace-ergocanada.ca
Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) website: www.cccpe.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.