They often help design products, workspaces, and human-machine interactions to make them more user-friendly.

This includes creating products and human-computer interfaces that are safe and effective.

Early military applications in this field focused on building weapons designed to minimize human errors and increase accuracy.

Person using a tablet at their desk

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What Does an Engineering Psychologist Do?

Engineering psychologists use psychological principles to solve real-world problems.

People who work in this profession help improve, and sometimes even save, human lives.

Engineering psychologists are employed in a range of different areas.

The private sector, such as businesses and corporations, is the largest area of employment.

Other employers might include colleges, universities and government agencies.

Just a few of the mainspecialty areasincludehuman factors, ergonomics, usability engineering, and human-computer interaction.

A number of universities offergraduate programsspecifically in engineering psychology.

Such programs include coursework in areas such ascognition, engineering, perception,statistics,research methods, andlearning.

Starting salaries range from $48,000 to $75,367.

At the doctorate level, salaries range from about $92,000 to $111,000.

Should You Become an Engineering Psychologist?

double-check you understand the coursework involved and that you feel ready to commit to a program.

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American Psychological Association.Postgrad growth area: Engineering psychology.

2023;77(1):7-22. doi:10.1007/s41449-023-00352-y

U.S. Department of Labor.Psychologists: Pay.Occupational Outlook Handbook.