As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Factors Engineer I in the United States is $73,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Human Factors Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI-Powered Talent
A Human Factors Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Human Factors Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Human Factors Engineer I | $73,015 |
| Intermediate Level Human Factors Engineer I | $73,688 |
| Senior Level Human Factors Engineer I | $75,099 |
| Specialist Level Human Factors Engineer I | $75,381 |
| Expert Level Human Factors Engineer I | $75,569 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Human Factors Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Human Factors Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,209. While startup companies pay approximate $69,524.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,524 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,533 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,389 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,209 |
For Human Factors Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Human Factors Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Factors Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $102,900 | $49.0 | 40% |
| Telecom | $91,875 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,200 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $84,525 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $80,850 | $39.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Human Factors Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Human Factors Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Human Factors Engineer II | $99,500 | 35% |
| R & D Engineer | $117,000 | 59% |
| R & D Support Associate II | $82,400 | 12% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Human Factors Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Human Factors Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
