Ergonomist

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.

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Psychology - Ergonomists need a deep understanding of how people think, perceive, and behave in order to design products and workplaces that suit real human needs. They study things like cognitive load, attention, fatigue, and decision-making to identify why errors or injuries happen and how to prevent them.
• Design and Technology - Ergonomists contribute to the redesign of equipment, tools, and systems so they work better for the people using them. Understanding the design process – from identifying a problem to prototyping and testing solutions – is central to this work.
• Mathematics - Ergonomists collect and analyse workplace data, including measurements of body dimensions, force, posture angles, and error rates. They use statistics to identify patterns and to provide evidence-based recommendations to businesses.
• Biology - Ergonomists need to understand human anatomy and physiology – how muscles, joints, and the skeletal system work – to assess whether a task or piece of equipment could cause strain or injury. This knowledge is essential when advising on posture, repetitive movements, and physical workload.

Also relevant

• Physics - Ergonomists apply principles of forces, mechanics, and materials when assessing how people interact with equipment and workstations. Understanding concepts like load distribution and leverage helps them evaluate whether a workspace puts unnecessary physical stress on the body.
• Engineering - Ergonomists often work alongside engineers to redesign systems, machinery, and control interfaces. Understanding engineering principles helps them propose practical improvements in industries like transport, robotics, and power generation.
• Business - Ergonomists visit businesses, consult with management, and make recommendations that affect productivity, staff wellbeing, and efficiency. Understanding how organisations operate helps them present solutions that are both practical and cost-effective.
• Sociology - Ergonomists consider how different groups of people – varying in age, ability, and background – interact with workplaces and products. Understanding social factors and diversity helps them design inclusive solutions that work for a wide range of users.
• Computer Science - Ergonomists working in areas like robotics engineering or digital interface design need to understand how software systems and algorithms work. This helps them evaluate and improve the usability of complex digital tools and automated systems.