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Human Factors Researcher I Salary in the United States

How much does a Human Factors Researcher I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Factors Researcher I in the United States is $73,462 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,887
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,363 to $81,536
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,900
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Key Factors That Influence Human Factors Researcher I Salaries

A Human Factors Researcher 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.

How Experience Level Affects Human Factors Researcher I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Human Factors Researcher 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $72,932
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $73,703
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $75,511
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $75,872
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,113
Levels Salary
Entry Level Human Factors Researcher I$72,932
Intermediate Level Human Factors Researcher I$73,703
Senior Level Human Factors Researcher I$75,511
Specialist Level Human Factors Researcher I$75,872
Expert Level Human Factors Researcher I$76,113
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How Do Human Factors Researcher Is 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 Researcher Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $81,337.
  • California: $81,029.
  • Massachusetts: $79,949.

Top Paying Cities for Human Factors Researcher I

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: $92,658
  • San Francisco: $91,643
  • Oakland: $89,712

Human Factors Researcher I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Human Factors Researcher I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,236. While startup companies pay approximate $69,570.

Human Factors Researcher I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,570
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,579
Established 501~5000 $79,414
Enterprise 5000+ $82,236

Human Factors Researcher I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Human Factors Researcher 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 Researcher positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Factors Researcher I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Human Factors Researcher I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$102,847$49.040%
Telecom$91,828$44.025%
Energy & Utilities$88,154$42.020%
Biotechnology$84,481$41.015%
Healthcare$80,808$39.010%

Human Factors Researcher I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Human Factors Researcher 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 August 01, 2026
$66,363
Average $73,462/year
$81,536
$5,530
Average $6,122/month
$6,795
$1,276
Average $1,413/week
$1,568
$32
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,536 $6,795 $1,568 $39
Average $73,462 $6,122 $1,413 $35
25th Percentile $66,363 $5,530 $1,276 $32

Human Factors Researcher I Salary Growth & Career Path

Human Factors Researcher I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Human Factors Researcher 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 Researcher II $99,461 35%
Research and Development Engineer $116,931 59%
Research and Development Associate II $82,360 12%

Most common benefits for Human Factors Researcher I

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

Common company salaries for Human Factors Researcher I

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

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FAQ about Human Factors Researcher I

1. Where can a Human Factors Researcher I earn the most?

A Human Factors Researcher I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Human Factors Researcher I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Human Factors Researcher I is $92,658.

2. What is the highest pay for Human Factors Researcher I?

The highest pay for Human Factors Researcher I is $88,887.

3. What is the lowest pay for Human Factors Researcher I?

The lowest pay for Human Factors Researcher I is $59,900.

4. What are the responsibilities of Human Factors Researcher I?

Conducts research studies and activities to support the development of user-centered product designs using human factors principles, standards, and methodologies. Develops research and test protocols that incorporate design principles, regulatory requirements, and behavioral methods. Plans and facilitates usability testing sessions and user interviews to evaluate product concepts and designs, and to identify problems or additional requirements. Develops and manages data collection instruments and protocols. Analyzes quantitative and qualitative data and presents research results to technical and development teams. Requires a bachelor's degree in human factors, usability engineering, cognitive psychology. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Human Factors Researcher I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Factors Researcher I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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