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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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 13 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and May 25, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Provide information to workers and managers/employers on methods to reduce the risk of injury or illness | 10 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 7 |
| Report and document investigations and conclusions/recommendations | 6 |
| Participate in emergency response planning | 6 |
| Evaluate the effectiveness of control equipment which may affect employee health | 6 |
| Teach safe work procedures and prepare material safety reports | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
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.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
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.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| 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.