As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Factors Researcher V in the United States is $158,928 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Human Factors Researcher V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Factors Researcher V'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 Researcher V'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Human Factors Researcher II | 2-4 years | $99,448 |
| Human Factors Researcher III | 4-7 years | $111,845 |
| Human Factors Researcher IV | 7+ years | $134,655 |
| Human Factors Researcher V | 7-10 years | $158,928 |
| Human Factors Research Manager | 10+ years | $151,317 |
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 Researcher Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 19.26% |
| Software Engineering | 2.96% |
| Product Strategy | 2.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$224,088 |
41%
|
|
Aviation
|
$203,428 |
28%
|
|
Presentation
|
$197,071 |
24%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$170,053 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$165,285 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$162,107 |
2%
|
Human Factors Researcher V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $177,760. While startup companies pay approximate $150,332.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $150,332 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $158,999 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $171,661 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $177,760 |
For Human Factors Researcher V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Human Factors Researcher positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Factors Researcher V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $238,392 | $115.0 | 50% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $222,499 | $107.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $214,553 | $103.0 | 35% |
| Chemicals | $206,606 | $99.0 | 30% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $198,660 | $96.0 | 25% |
Understanding how a Human Factors Researcher V'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 Researcher V, 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 Research Manager | $151,317 | -5% |
| Research and Development Associate VI | $214,596 | 35% |
Salaries for a Human Factors Researcher V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $162,266 in 2023 to around $160,428 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Human Factors Researcher V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $162,266 |
| 2024 | $163,370 |
| 2025 | $160,428 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Human Factors Researcher V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Human Factors Researcher V is $200,456.
The highest pay for Human Factors Researcher V is $170,779.
The lowest pay for Human Factors Researcher V is $139,203.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Factors Researcher V roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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