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Human Factors Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Human Factors Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Factors Engineer IV in the United States is $134,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

However, a Human Factors Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,963
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $123,100 to $147,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,539
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Human Factors Engineer IV Salaries

A Human Factors Engineer IV'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.

How Experience Level Affects Human Factors Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Human Factors Engineer IV'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:

  • Human Factors Engineer II (2-4 years): $99,474
  • Human Factors Engineer III (4-7 years): $111,849
  • Human Factors Engineer IV (7+ years): $134,668
  • Human Factors Engineer V (7-10 years): $158,922
  • Human Factors Engineering Manager (10+ years): $151,328
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Human Factors Engineer II2-4 years$99,474
Human Factors Engineer III4-7 years$111,849
Human Factors Engineer IV7+ years$134,668
Human Factors Engineer V7-10 years$158,922
Human Factors Engineering Manager10+ years$151,328
View as Graph

How Do Human Factors Engineer IV Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $149,200.
  • California: $148,600.
  • Massachusetts: $146,600.

Top Paying Cities for Human Factors Engineer IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $169,900
  • San Francisco: $168,000
  • Oakland: $164,500

What Skills Can Increase a Human Factors Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 19.26% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Software Engineering (Mentioned in 2.96% Job Postings): Software engineering is the application of engineering to the development of software in a systematic method. Notable definitions of software engineering include: "the systematic application of scientific and technological knowledge, methods, and experience to the design, implementation, testing, and documentation of software"—The Bureau of Labor Statistics—IEEE Systems and software engineering - Vocabulary "The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software"—IEEE Standard Glossary of Software Engineering Terminology "an engineering discipline that is concerned with all aspects of software production"—Ian Sommerville "the establishment and use of sound engineering principles in order to economically obtain software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines"—Fritz Bauer
  • Product Strategy (Mentioned in 2.22% Job Postings): Product strategy is defined as the road map of a product. This road map outlines the end-to-end vision of the product, particulars on achieving the product strategy and the big picture context in terms of what the product will become. Companies utilise the product strategy in strategic planning and marketing to identify the direction of the company's activities. The product strategy is composed of a variety of sequential process in order for the vision to be effectively achieved. The company must be clear in terms of the target market of the product in order for them to plan the activities needed in order to reach the destination and to achieve its goals.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 19.26%
Software Engineering 2.96%
Product Strategy 2.22%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Human Factors Engineer IV's salary.

  • Scientific Research: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Data Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Data Analytics: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Scientific Research $153,558
14%
Data Analysis $153,558
14%
Data Analytics $150,864
12%
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Human Factors Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Human Factors Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $150,533. While startup companies pay approximate $127,335.

Human Factors Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $127,335
Growth Stage 51~500 $134,670
Established 501~5000 $145,359
Enterprise 5000+ $150,533

Human Factors Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Human Factors Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 61% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% 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 IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Human Factors Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$172,416$83.028%
Internet$164,334$79.022%
Energy & Utilities$154,905$74.015%
Financial Services$154,905$74.015%
Biotechnology$148,170$71.010%

Human Factors Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Human Factors Engineer IV'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 September 01, 2026
$123,100
Average $134,700/year
$147,400
$10,258
Average $11,225/month
$12,283
$2,367
Average $2,590/week
$2,835
$59
Average $65/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $147,400 $12,283 $2,835 $71
Average $134,700 $11,225 $2,590 $65
25th Percentile $123,100 $10,258 $2,367 $59

Human Factors Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Human Factors Engineer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Human Factors Engineer IV, 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 V $159,000 18%
R & D Support Associate V $160,500 19%

Most common benefits for Human Factors Engineer IV

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Human Factors Engineer IV

Here are companies hiring for Human Factors Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Human Factors Engineer IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Human Factors Engineer IV?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Factors Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

2. What is another name for human factors engineering?

Other names for human factors include ergonomics, applied experimental psychology, human factors engineering, and engineering psychology. The term Human Factors/Ergonomics refers to the field as a whole. In this profession, salaries typically range from $129,700 to $152,600, with a median salary of around $139,700.

3. Does SpaceX pay engineers well?

SpaceX offers competitive salaries for engineers, particularly for Human Factors Engineers. The salary range is between $129,700 and $152,600, with a midpoint of $139,700. This compensation reflects the high demand for skilled engineers in the aerospace industry, positioning SpaceX as an attractive employer for top talent.

4. Who is the senior human factors engineer at Boeing?

The senior human factors engineer at Boeing is Maureen O'Connell, PhD. The salary range for this position typically falls between $129,700 and $152,600, with a mid-salary of approximately $139,700.

5. Which engineering is highest in demand in USA?

Human Factors Engineering is among the highest in demand in the USA, with salaries ranging from $129,700 to $152,600. This field focuses on optimizing the interaction between humans and systems, making it crucial in various industries. As technology advances, the need for skilled professionals in this area continues to grow, reflecting its importance in engineering.

6. Is human factors a good career?

Human Factors Engineering is a promising career, particularly in industry where salaries are competitive. Based on recent data, the salary range for a Human Factors Engineer is between $129,700 and $152,600, with a median salary of $139,700. This indicates strong earning potential, making it an attractive field for those with the right qualifications.

7. What degree do you need for human factors?

A Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering (BS) is essential for a career in this field. This program prepares students to become recognized human factors professionals. The salary for a Human Factors Engineer typically ranges from $129,700 to $152,600, with a median salary of around $139,700, reflecting the demand for expertise in optimizing human interaction with systems.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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