HR specialist salary
BLS occupation: Human Resources Specialists · also called recruiter · Business and finance · data for May 2025
Median salary $75,940 a year, US
Median hourly pay $36.51 an hour
Middle half earn $58,610–$99,380 25th to 75th percentile
HR specialists employed 912,430 +6.4% projected by 2035
How much does an HR specialist make?
- The median HR specialist salary in the US is $75,940 a year ($36.51 an hour): half of the 912,430 HR specialists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $81,990.
- The middle half earn between $58,610 and $99,380. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $47,180 and the top 10% more than $128,720.
- That is 49% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays HR specialists the most (median $110,970), followed by Massachusetts ($85,630) and Washington ($84,550). Arkansas pays the least ($55,010).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $100,973 in typical US prices, then North Dakota and Virginia.
- In 273 of the 383 metro areas with data, the median HR specialist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of HR specialists to grow 6.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 73,700 openings a year. The typical entry education is a bachelor's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what HR specialists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
HR specialist salary range
Half of HR specialists earn between $58,610 and $99,380 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $47,180
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $58,610
Median Yearly pay: $75,940
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $99,380
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $128,720
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $47,180 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $58,610 |
| Median | $75,940 |
| Top 25% earn over | $99,380 |
| Top 10% earn over | $128,720 |
HR specialist salary by state
The District of Columbia pays HR specialists the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($75,940), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $110,970 median |
| Massachusetts | $85,630 median |
| Washington | $84,550 median |
| New York | $84,380 median |
| Maryland | $83,910 median |
| California | $83,500 median |
| Connecticut | $82,890 median |
| Virginia | $82,090 median |
| Colorado | $80,840 median |
| New Jersey | $80,690 median |
| Minnesota | $78,760 median |
| Oregon | $78,060 median |
| Vermont | $77,800 median |
| Delaware | $77,700 median |
| Rhode Island | $77,560 median |
| Alaska | $76,990 median |
| Illinois | $76,820 median |
| North Dakota | $75,630 median |
| Hawaii | $73,750 median |
| North Carolina | $73,070 median |
| Utah | $71,750 median |
| Maine | $71,630 median |
| Nevada | $71,610 median |
| Arizona | $71,390 median |
| Kansas | $70,870 median |
| New Hampshire | $70,840 median |
| Georgia | $70,570 median |
| Wisconsin | $70,540 median |
| Pennsylvania | $70,450 median |
| Ohio | $70,180 median |
| Michigan | $69,520 median |
| Kentucky | $69,010 median |
| Texas | $68,920 median |
| New Mexico | $68,050 median |
| South Dakota | $67,590 median |
| Tennessee | $67,370 median |
| Missouri | $66,990 median |
| Wyoming | $66,970 median |
| West Virginia | $66,860 median |
| Iowa | $66,710 median |
| Florida | $66,410 median |
| Indiana | $65,600 median |
| South Carolina | $65,370 median |
| Idaho | $64,990 median |
| Alabama | $64,940 median |
| Montana | $63,790 median |
| Nebraska | $61,930 median |
| Oklahoma | $61,630 median |
| Louisiana | $61,300 median |
| Mississippi | $60,300 median |
| Arkansas | $55,010 median |
Where HR specialist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
HR specialists' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $100,973 |
| North Dakota | $85,017 |
| Virginia | $81,194 |
| Massachusetts | $80,969 |
| Connecticut | $80,002 |
| Maryland | $79,946 |
| Minnesota | $79,861 |
| Vermont | $79,422 |
| Washington | $79,009 |
| Kansas | $78,685 |
HR specialist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $110,970 | $53.35 | $65,280 | $170,330 | 6,910 | $100,973 |
| Massachusetts | $85,630 | $41.17 | $57,500 | $145,130 | 27,300 | $80,969 |
| Washington | $84,550 | $40.65 | $57,030 | $136,070 | 22,770 | $79,009 |
| New York | $84,380 | $40.57 | $56,040 | $149,990 | 54,610 | $78,187 |
| Maryland | $83,910 | $40.34 | $54,410 | $139,400 | 15,530 | $79,946 |
| California | $83,500 | $40.14 | $52,770 | $151,410 | 104,000 | $75,415 |
| Connecticut | $82,890 | $39.85 | $51,000 | $134,810 | 9,010 | $80,002 |
| Virginia | $82,090 | $39.47 | $48,530 | $136,660 | 28,540 | $81,194 |
| Colorado | $80,840 | $38.87 | $51,290 | $133,850 | 19,450 | $78,446 |
| New Jersey | $80,690 | $38.79 | $56,420 | $132,770 | 21,690 | $74,160 |
| Minnesota | $78,760 | $37.87 | $50,330 | $127,060 | 17,240 | $79,861 |
| Oregon | $78,060 | $37.53 | $51,480 | $126,280 | 10,620 | $75,522 |
| Vermont | $77,800 | $37.40 | $55,510 | $114,090 | 1,270 | $79,422 |
| Delaware | $77,700 | $37.36 | $50,960 | $132,030 | 2,720 | $77,849 |
| Rhode Island | $77,560 | $37.29 | $51,270 | $128,250 | 3,320 | $75,831 |
| Alaska | $76,990 | $37.01 | $49,910 | $114,330 | 1,420 | $75,216 |
| Illinois | $76,820 | $36.93 | $48,980 | $123,940 | 35,430 | $76,852 |
| North Dakota | $75,630 | $36.36 | $50,520 | $116,990 | 1,710 | $85,017 |
| Hawaii | $73,750 | $35.46 | $49,110 | $113,320 | 2,570 | $67,075 |
| North Carolina | $73,070 | $35.13 | $46,760 | $126,000 | 31,140 | $77,465 |
| Utah | $71,750 | $34.50 | $46,800 | $123,780 | 9,900 | $72,574 |
| Maine | $71,630 | $34.44 | $45,850 | $105,840 | 3,020 | $73,807 |
| Nevada | $71,610 | $34.43 | $47,150 | $119,050 | 6,520 | $71,625 |
| Arizona | $71,390 | $34.32 | $47,290 | $112,900 | 20,230 | $70,910 |
| Kansas | $70,870 | $34.07 | $47,340 | $115,920 | 7,560 | $78,685 |
| New Hampshire | $70,840 | $34.06 | $47,700 | $122,560 | 4,270 | $68,007 |
| Georgia | $70,570 | $33.93 | $44,580 | $125,540 | 32,110 | $73,287 |
| Wisconsin | $70,540 | $33.91 | $47,860 | $105,270 | 17,360 | $74,967 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,450 | $33.87 | $46,610 | $119,850 | 36,960 | $72,203 |
| Ohio | $70,180 | $33.74 | $45,950 | $118,340 | 33,500 | $75,646 |
| Michigan | $69,520 | $33.42 | $46,580 | $110,710 | 25,520 | $72,253 |
| Kentucky | $69,010 | $33.18 | $43,690 | $107,940 | 10,900 | $76,543 |
| Texas | $68,920 | $33.13 | $43,410 | $117,060 | 84,930 | $71,010 |
| New Mexico | $68,050 | $32.72 | $46,620 | $117,170 | 4,090 | $73,797 |
| South Dakota | $67,590 | $32.50 | $50,670 | $104,550 | 1,340 | $76,299 |
| Tennessee | $67,370 | $32.39 | $45,630 | $109,990 | 21,460 | $73,332 |
| Missouri | $66,990 | $32.21 | $44,730 | $110,660 | 17,650 | $73,764 |
| Wyoming | $66,970 | $32.20 | $44,630 | $115,790 | 1,000 | $72,251 |
| West Virginia | $66,860 | $32.14 | $44,490 | $115,920 | 3,130 | $74,706 |
| Iowa | $66,710 | $32.07 | $45,400 | $110,640 | 7,930 | $76,012 |
| Florida | $66,410 | $31.93 | $44,920 | $115,920 | 62,730 | $64,218 |
| Indiana | $65,600 | $31.54 | $44,810 | $106,830 | 17,110 | $70,289 |
| South Carolina | $65,370 | $31.43 | $46,070 | $118,590 | 13,720 | $69,729 |
| Idaho | $64,990 | $31.25 | $43,820 | $102,490 | 3,930 | $68,057 |
| Alabama | $64,940 | $31.22 | $41,890 | $112,880 | 11,080 | $73,112 |
| Montana | $63,790 | $30.67 | $44,990 | $108,180 | 2,340 | $67,399 |
| Nebraska | $61,930 | $29.77 | $42,730 | $98,480 | 7,220 | $68,732 |
| Oklahoma | $61,630 | $29.63 | $39,990 | $103,460 | 9,370 | $70,159 |
| Louisiana | $61,300 | $29.47 | $39,170 | $100,420 | 7,240 | $69,496 |
| Mississippi | $60,300 | $28.99 | $38,500 | $108,950 | 4,850 | $69,348 |
| Arkansas | $55,010 | $26.45 | $32,030 | $99,990 | 6,230 | $63,276 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
HR specialist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes HR specialist pay: 387 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $112,140
- San Francisco, CA $103,140
- Washington, DC $100,830
- Lexington Park, MD $98,170
- Parkersburg, WV $94,520
- Seattle, WA $92,770
- Bremerton, WA $90,290
- Boston, MA $90,270
- New York, NY $89,780
- Olympia, WA $86,700
Where the pay goes furthest
- Parkersburg, WV $108,561
- San Jose, CA $101,555
- Lexington Park, MD $97,430
- Washington, DC $92,603
- Rochester, MN $92,280
- Minot, ND $89,879
- Davenport, IA $89,437
- San Francisco, CA $89,211
- Sierra Vista, AZ $87,906
- Elizabethtown, KY $87,058
All 387 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $112,140 | 7,970 | $101,555 | 41% |
| San Francisco, CA | $103,140 | 16,420 | $89,211 | 40% |
| Washington, DC | $100,830 | 24,450 | $92,603 | 29% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $98,170 | 330 | $97,430 | 25% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $94,520 | 440 | $108,561 | 13% |
| Seattle, WA | $92,770 | 14,120 | $83,477 | 29% |
| Bremerton, WA | $90,290 | 710 | $85,496 | 27% |
| Boston, MA | $90,270 | 21,770 | $83,378 | 40% |
| New York, NY | $89,780 | 52,370 | $79,760 | 47% |
| Olympia, WA | $86,700 | 1,410 | $83,631 | 28% |
| Boulder, CO | $86,200 | 1,480 | $81,938 | 31% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $85,550 | 2,350 | $80,055 | 40% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $84,690 | 450 | $77,064 | 49% |
| Napa, CA | $84,400 | 310 | $74,986 | 41% |
| Rochester, MN | $83,810 | 500 | $92,280 | 23% |
| Vallejo, CA | $83,160 | 650 | $76,660 | 36% |
| Hartford, CT | $82,920 | 3,460 | $80,704 | 29% |
| Denver, CO | $82,550 | 12,520 | $78,038 | 28% |
| New Haven, CT | $82,510 | 1,230 | $78,912 | 30% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $82,430 | 610 | $83,140 | 30% |
| Baltimore, MD | $82,380 | 7,930 | $78,842 | 28% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $81,540 | 920 | $75,651 | 39% |
| San Diego, CA | $81,300 | 9,110 | $72,663 | 44% |
| Kennewick, WA | $81,290 | 620 | $81,226 | 25% |
| Durham, NC | $81,100 | 2,370 | $83,118 | 24% |
| Sacramento, CA | $80,950 | 5,360 | $75,888 | 34% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $80,770 | 310 | $80,574 | – |
| Walla Walla, WA | $80,730 | 120 | $81,944 | 22% |
| Oxnard, CA | $80,560 | 1,710 | $72,883 | 44% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $80,340 | 870 | $73,843 | 49% |
| Trenton, NJ | $80,340 | 1,400 | $77,864 | 38% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $80,330 | 12,660 | $76,635 | 26% |
| Salem, OR | $80,270 | 1,070 | $77,444 | 25% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $80,220 | 36,850 | $70,637 | 44% |
| Portland, OR | $80,100 | 7,610 | $75,981 | 27% |
| Salinas, CA | $80,100 | 630 | $73,458 | 42% |
| Waterbury, CT | $79,850 | 710 | $80,028 | – |
| Davenport, IA | $79,670 | 1,420 | $89,437 | 15% |
| Richmond, VA | $79,340 | 4,540 | $81,077 | 26% |
| Winchester, VA | $79,040 | 460 | $81,949 | 28% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $79,000 | 1,800 | $78,445 | 27% |
| Burlington, VT | $78,920 | 600 | $78,178 | 39% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $78,850 | 1,060 | $87,058 | 20% |
| Springfield, IL | $78,840 | 950 | $85,007 | 18% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $78,800 | 230 | $76,921 | 33% |
| Huntsville, AL | $78,780 | 1,630 | $84,644 | 21% |
| Midland, TX | $78,650 | 580 | $82,113 | 24% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $78,520 | 900 | $77,644 | 30% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $78,450 | 200 | $87,906 | 20% |
| Charlotte, NC | $78,330 | 8,930 | $80,464 | 27% |
| Minot, ND | $78,220 | 110 | $89,879 | 19% |
| Chicago, IL | $78,210 | 26,470 | $75,496 | 33% |
| Bellingham, WA | $78,160 | 430 | $75,638 | 30% |
| Portland, ME | $78,100 | 1,310 | $76,675 | 35% |
| Helena, MT | $78,020 | 280 | $81,547 | 25% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $78,020 | 610 | $71,844 | 43% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $77,920 | 470 | $83,080 | 23% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $77,920 | 240 | $75,028 | 27% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $77,840 | 1,040 | $71,137 | 35% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $77,770 | 1,110 | $77,092 | 30% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $77,760 | 140 | $75,343 | 28% |
| Springfield, MA | $77,740 | 1,030 | $80,928 | 30% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $77,730 | 510 | $82,541 | 25% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $77,380 | 430 | $78,275 | 32% |
| Worcester, MA | $77,290 | 2,050 | $75,388 | 33% |
| Syracuse, NY | $77,190 | 1,280 | $80,623 | 25% |
| Modesto, CA | $77,070 | 730 | $74,029 | 32% |
| Albany, NY | $77,000 | 2,970 | $77,336 | 26% |
| Providence, RI | $76,930 | 4,180 | $75,590 | 34% |
| Merced, CA | $76,820 | 280 | $78,168 | 32% |
| Norwich, CT | $76,810 | 440 | $76,470 | 33% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $76,700 | 1,240 | $76,026 | 29% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $76,700 | 16,000 | $74,790 | 30% |
| Topeka, KS | $76,690 | 720 | $86,343 | 20% |
| Madison, WI | $76,660 | 2,810 | $78,798 | 28% |
| Rochester, NY | $76,590 | 2,460 | $78,930 | 24% |
| Riverside, CA | $76,570 | 7,210 | $71,936 | 40% |
| Stockton, CA | $76,560 | 1,160 | $72,853 | 38% |
| Fargo, ND | $76,550 | 720 | $84,240 | 17% |
| Manhattan, KS | $76,400 | 500 | $84,736 | 20% |
| Hanford, CA | $76,250 | 110 | $75,040 | 30% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $76,240 | 4,290 | $77,843 | 30% |
| Crestview, FL | $76,230 | 630 | $78,563 | 31% |
| Bend, OR | $76,190 | 530 | $73,538 | 35% |
| Greeley, CO | $76,180 | 580 | $76,046 | 27% |
| Binghamton, NY | $76,140 | 330 | $81,992 | 25% |
| Barnstable, MA | $76,020 | 400 | $77,295 | 41% |
| Reno, NV | $76,010 | 1,320 | $75,247 | 33% |
| Bismarck, ND | $75,980 | 340 | $83,472 | 21% |
| Austin, TX | $75,860 | 8,940 | $77,356 | 25% |
| Anchorage, AK | $75,850 | 820 | $71,950 | 30% |
| Detroit, MI | $75,830 | 11,480 | $75,605 | 24% |
| Longview, WA | $75,810 | 190 | $77,718 | 22% |
| Honolulu, HI | $75,490 | 1,990 | $68,033 | 48% |
| Hinesville, GA | $75,450 | 110 | $80,323 | 28% |
| Columbus, OH | $75,440 | 7,740 | $79,020 | 24% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $75,440 | 870 | $82,020 | 23% |
| Atlanta, GA | $75,410 | 20,920 | $75,366 | 29% |
| Lebanon, PA | $75,320 | 310 | $80,803 | 23% |
| Ithaca, NY | $75,270 | 200 | $72,853 | 32% |
| Kansas City, MO | $75,190 | 6,950 | $81,249 | 24% |
| Rapid City, SD | $74,980 | 230 | $84,096 | 23% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $74,970 | 5,050 | $77,339 | 25% |
| Vineland, NJ | $74,880 | 200 | $78,026 | 26% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $74,830 | 250 | $77,551 | 25% |
| Manchester, NH | $74,760 | 1,070 | $70,757 | 35% |
| Carson City, NV | $74,710 | 210 | $76,134 | 33% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $74,710 | 480 | $85,254 | 20% |
| Yuba City, CA | $74,680 | 180 | $71,647 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $74,640 | 15,430 | $72,244 | 28% |
| Buffalo, NY | $74,510 | 2,730 | $77,741 | 23% |
| Spokane, WA | $74,430 | 1,370 | $74,173 | 24% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $74,410 | 5,350 | $73,770 | 27% |
| York, PA | $74,350 | 980 | $77,448 | 22% |
| Bloomington, IL | $74,210 | 510 | $79,338 | 21% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $74,210 | 290 | $78,029 | 28% |
| Fresno, CA | $74,170 | 1,770 | $72,603 | 33% |
| Raleigh, NC | $74,170 | 5,710 | $75,563 | 27% |
| Visalia, CA | $74,050 | 580 | $74,180 | 28% |
| Peoria, IL | $74,020 | 890 | $81,135 | 19% |
| Watertown, NY | $73,920 | 180 | $84,297 | 24% |
| Chico, CA | $73,910 | 310 | $73,036 | 25% |
| Albany, OR | $73,850 | 210 | $72,331 | 27% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $73,410 | 290 | $78,084 | 22% |
| Provo, UT | $73,330 | 2,000 | $74,650 | 29% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $73,300 | 190 | $84,581 | 19% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $73,290 | 2,250 | $76,707 | 24% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $73,010 | 7,110 | $76,554 | 25% |
| San Antonio, TX | $72,930 | 7,570 | $76,999 | 23% |
| Midland, MI | $72,630 | 240 | $79,014 | 23% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $72,610 | 270 | $79,231 | 19% |
| Green Bay, WI | $72,550 | 900 | $77,939 | 19% |
| Houston, TX | $72,550 | 18,320 | $73,558 | 27% |
| Lansing, MI | $72,490 | 1,520 | $76,312 | 22% |
| Utica, NY | $72,420 | 540 | $78,142 | 24% |
| Mankato, MN | $72,410 | 260 | $79,611 | 20% |
| Yakima, WA | $72,180 | 390 | $75,546 | 23% |
| Elmira, NY | $72,160 | 130 | $76,442 | 19% |
| Kingston, NY | $72,040 | 200 | $71,533 | 34% |
| Monroe, MI | $71,990 | 210 | $77,001 | 21% |
| El Centro, CA | $71,970 | 220 | $75,619 | 30% |
| Louisville, KY | $71,880 | 3,680 | $77,229 | 22% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $71,850 | 5,060 | $72,223 | 28% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $71,800 | 260 | $75,865 | 22% |
| St. Louis, MO | $71,670 | 8,130 | $75,372 | 24% |
| Des Moines, IA | $71,600 | 2,450 | $78,080 | 21% |
| Kahului, HI | $71,370 | 240 | $65,242 | 54% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $71,300 | 320 | $72,190 | 33% |
| Ogden, UT | $71,280 | 1,430 | $71,032 | 27% |
| Iowa City, IA | $71,120 | 480 | $77,719 | 30% |
| Cleveland, OH | $70,900 | 6,330 | $75,487 | 24% |
| Redding, CA | $70,830 | 250 | $70,349 | 28% |
| Dallas, TX | $70,700 | 29,190 | $68,581 | 28% |
| Charleston, SC | $70,580 | 2,190 | $69,907 | 35% |
| Corvallis, OR | $70,420 | 210 | $67,700 | 31% |
| Asheville, NC | $70,210 | 910 | $72,752 | 29% |
| Killeen, TX | $70,170 | 720 | $76,998 | 22% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $70,140 | 2,640 | $71,100 | 25% |
| Ames, IA | $70,060 | 260 | $78,870 | 20% |
| Allentown, PA | $70,040 | 1,720 | $70,062 | 32% |
| Lexington, KY | $69,990 | 1,320 | $75,348 | 27% |
| Sumter, SC | $69,990 | 160 | $79,516 | 25% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $69,950 | 4,470 | $69,800 | 30% |
| Akron, OH | $69,900 | 1,800 | $74,863 | 22% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $69,880 | 360 | $75,375 | 28% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $69,740 | 300 | $71,151 | 34% |
| Burlington, NC | $69,500 | 280 | $74,574 | 23% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $69,490 | 430 | $77,761 | 22% |
| Reading, PA | $69,410 | 940 | $71,512 | 27% |
| Eugene, OR | $69,390 | 730 | $68,319 | 31% |
| Jackson, MI | $69,240 | 270 | $75,442 | 21% |
| Memphis, TN | $69,150 | 3,650 | $75,017 | 24% |
| Dayton, OH | $69,030 | 2,160 | $74,471 | 23% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $68,940 | 530 | $74,186 | 22% |
| Deltona, FL | $68,880 | 970 | $69,319 | 31% |
| Pueblo, CO | $68,830 | 290 | $75,009 | 23% |
| Gulfport, MS | $68,810 | 760 | $76,450 | 25% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $68,540 | 1,370 | $74,465 | 27% |
| Naples, FL | $68,420 | 730 | $66,298 | 46% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $68,230 | 670 | $75,283 | 22% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $68,170 | 190 | $71,859 | 25% |
| Ocala, FL | $68,080 | 450 | $71,487 | 28% |
| Columbia, SC | $67,990 | 2,270 | $72,591 | 27% |
| Birmingham, AL | $67,880 | 3,060 | $74,069 | 25% |
| Michigan City, IN | $67,690 | 160 | $73,831 | 21% |
| Greensboro, NC | $67,660 | 2,630 | $72,858 | 25% |
| Salisbury, MD | $67,640 | 230 | $70,741 | 35% |
| Miami, FL | $67,580 | 18,080 | $59,200 | 47% |
| Medford, OR | $67,540 | 430 | $66,586 | 33% |
| Roanoke, VA | $67,450 | 780 | $72,048 | 25% |
| Muskegon, MI | $67,410 | 230 | $72,861 | 23% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $67,410 | 850 | $74,035 | 26% |
| Nashville, TN | $67,380 | 8,210 | $69,941 | 32% |
| Knoxville, TN | $67,370 | 2,980 | $72,778 | 31% |
| Champaign, IL | $67,360 | 540 | $72,661 | 25% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $67,300 | 7,150 | $70,327 | 27% |
| Racine, WI | $67,200 | 400 | $70,028 | 26% |
| Toledo, OH | $67,200 | 1,500 | $73,479 | 23% |
| Augusta, GA | $67,120 | 1,210 | $73,034 | 26% |
| North Port, FL | $67,100 | 1,430 | $65,516 | 38% |
| Duluth, MN | $67,040 | 560 | $75,523 | 24% |
| Dover, DE | $66,920 | 450 | $68,631 | 32% |
| Greenville, SC | $66,870 | 2,430 | $71,703 | 28% |
| Bloomington, IN | $66,750 | 320 | $70,201 | 31% |
| Wausau, WI | $66,750 | 330 | $72,045 | 17% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $66,660 | 270 | $73,624 | 21% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $66,660 | 150 | $75,354 | 27% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $66,660 | 280 | $69,819 | 31% |
| Lancaster, PA | $66,330 | 1,200 | $67,507 | 28% |
| Pensacola, FL | $66,260 | 1,060 | $67,808 | 31% |
| Kokomo, IN | $66,200 | 130 | $73,844 | 20% |
| Greenville, NC | $66,190 | 430 | $74,874 | 27% |
| The Villages, FL | $66,190 | 170 | $77,484 | 31% |
| Anniston, AL | $66,060 | 190 | $76,860 | 18% |
| Boise, ID | $66,060 | 2,180 | $67,140 | 35% |
| Saginaw, MI | $66,060 | 400 | $72,680 | 19% |
| Niles, MI | $66,050 | 270 | $71,506 | 25% |
| Lewiston, ID | $66,000 | 110 | $72,400 | 27% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $65,760 | 3,490 | $68,825 | 29% |
| Clarksville, TN | $65,680 | 540 | $72,218 | 25% |
| Tampa, FL | $65,580 | 10,410 | $65,001 | 36% |
| Columbus, GA | $65,550 | 700 | $73,408 | 25% |
| Staunton, VA | $65,540 | 220 | $71,921 | 27% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $65,520 | 100 | $67,021 | 29% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $65,510 | 1,150 | $70,767 | 23% |
| Rockford, IL | $65,490 | 650 | $71,066 | 24% |
| Billings, MT | $65,470 | 440 | $70,002 | 25% |
| Orlando, FL | $65,430 | 9,380 | $64,515 | 35% |
| La Crosse, WI | $65,400 | 390 | $71,266 | 25% |
| Wichita, KS | $65,390 | 1,380 | $73,517 | 22% |
| Scranton, PA | $65,360 | 1,130 | $69,862 | 25% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $65,260 | 6,280 | $68,933 | 27% |
| Yuma, AZ | $65,250 | 400 | $70,384 | 26% |
| Odessa, TX | $65,110 | 290 | $69,343 | 29% |
| Logan, UT | $64,990 | 260 | $67,749 | 26% |
| Slidell, LA | $64,990 | 320 | $70,088 | – |
| Eau Claire, WI | $64,900 | 390 | $69,938 | 21% |
| Elkhart, IN | $64,860 | 620 | $71,807 | 22% |
| New Orleans, LA | $64,780 | 1,900 | $69,959 | 29% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $64,770 | 1,220 | $63,283 | 34% |
| Longview, TX | $64,750 | 520 | $72,358 | 21% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $64,730 | 290 | $70,294 | 29% |
| Hickory, NC | $64,700 | 670 | $73,119 | 30% |
| Kingsport, TN | $64,620 | 530 | $74,751 | 25% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $64,560 | 690 | $68,073 | 24% |
| Paducah, KY | $64,500 | 210 | $74,927 | 21% |
| Traverse City, MI | $64,480 | 270 | $69,057 | 34% |
| Wilmington, NC | $64,440 | 850 | $66,831 | 32% |
| Dubuque, IA | $64,390 | 380 | $73,734 | 20% |
| Flint, MI | $64,260 | 600 | $69,072 | 19% |
| Mobile, AL | $64,260 | 800 | $72,941 | 24% |
| State College, PA | $64,220 | 260 | $66,369 | 36% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $64,200 | 250 | $74,321 | 19% |
| Farmington, NM | $64,170 | 160 | $73,164 | 26% |
| Lafayette, IN | $64,140 | 510 | $68,650 | 28% |
| Montgomery, AL | $64,140 | 970 | $71,519 | 26% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $64,130 | 280 | $74,698 | 25% |
| Lawrence, KS | $64,130 | 230 | $71,064 | 29% |
| Bozeman, MT | $64,080 | 320 | $62,511 | 41% |
| Kenosha, WI | $64,080 | 470 | $63,372 | – |
| Tucson, AZ | $63,950 | 2,130 | $65,999 | 28% |
| Altoona, PA | $63,910 | 310 | $71,402 | 19% |
| Bangor, ME | $63,900 | 350 | $66,212 | 28% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $63,860 | 280 | $67,640 | 27% |
| Kankakee, IL | $63,720 | 160 | $66,104 | 25% |
| Decatur, IL | $63,700 | 140 | $72,041 | 20% |
| South Bend, IN | $63,700 | 670 | $68,599 | 24% |
| Appleton, WI | $63,650 | 720 | $68,871 | 23% |
| Evansville, IN | $63,520 | 660 | $69,400 | 21% |
| Lima, OH | $63,510 | 230 | $70,827 | 23% |
| Morgantown, WV | $63,500 | 270 | $68,043 | 26% |
| Tulsa, OK | $63,490 | 2,560 | $71,166 | 26% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $63,450 | 280 | $64,552 | 35% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $63,430 | 310 | $63,225 | 40% |
| Jackson, TN | $63,430 | 370 | $74,168 | 26% |
| Columbia, MO | $63,360 | 640 | $70,842 | 28% |
| Gainesville, GA | $63,330 | 460 | $65,447 | 32% |
| Waco, TX | $63,320 | 590 | $68,417 | 27% |
| Lincoln, NE | $63,280 | 1,130 | $69,097 | 24% |
| Janesville, WI | $63,270 | 500 | $67,522 | 25% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $63,220 | 520 | $72,069 | 32% |
| Bay City, MI | $63,200 | 120 | $68,755 | 19% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $63,170 | 3,900 | $69,872 | 26% |
| Springfield, MO | $63,140 | 1,270 | $71,276 | 24% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,070 | 670 | $70,895 | 23% |
| Sioux City, IA | $63,040 | 280 | $72,917 | 25% |
| Auburn, AL | $63,030 | 350 | $71,680 | 30% |
| Decatur, AL | $63,030 | 260 | $72,272 | 21% |
| Sherman, TX | $63,010 | 220 | $67,196 | 26% |
| Lakeland, FL | $62,970 | 1,370 | $64,823 | 35% |
| Beaumont, TX | $62,900 | 680 | $69,853 | 25% |
| Brunswick, GA | $62,870 | 190 | $71,681 | 32% |
| Beckley, WV | $62,850 | 140 | $71,122 | 20% |
| Great Falls, MT | $62,740 | 170 | $64,784 | 27% |
| Jackson, MS | $62,720 | 1,160 | $70,434 | 28% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $62,700 | 1,500 | $62,697 | 36% |
| Panama City, FL | $62,700 | 360 | $64,443 | 33% |
| Savannah, GA | $62,690 | 1,050 | $65,847 | 34% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $62,610 | 720 | $62,468 | 44% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $62,600 | 120 | $65,633 | 26% |
| Daphne, AL | $62,570 | 380 | $66,079 | 33% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $62,490 | 290 | $63,600 | 36% |
| Wheeling, WV | $62,480 | 220 | $70,740 | 17% |
| College Station, TX | $62,460 | 570 | $68,674 | 29% |
| Owensboro, KY | $62,440 | 170 | $70,466 | 24% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $62,420 | 530 | $70,952 | 19% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $62,400 | 250 | $66,314 | 30% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $62,390 | 220 | $70,628 | 36% |
| Springfield, OH | $62,390 | 200 | $68,953 | 23% |
| Missoula, MT | $62,380 | 280 | $64,679 | 31% |
| Columbus, IN | $62,330 | 340 | $67,019 | 27% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $62,310 | 240 | $65,664 | 33% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,300 | 220 | $69,599 | 25% |
| Alexandria, LA | $62,210 | 230 | $72,602 | 20% |
| Amarillo, TX | $62,180 | 500 | $67,719 | 25% |
| Grand Island, NE | $62,100 | 200 | $71,662 | 26% |
| Sandusky, OH | $62,070 | 210 | $69,522 | 35% |
| Canton, OH | $61,950 | 800 | $69,291 | 22% |
| Williamsport, PA | $61,940 | 220 | $67,071 | 21% |
| Waterloo, IA | $61,900 | 360 | $71,103 | 20% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $61,860 | 360 | $68,597 | 24% |
| Omaha, NE | $61,840 | 4,330 | $67,282 | 27% |
| Weirton, WV | $61,770 | 120 | $69,386 | 16% |
| Johnson City, TN | $61,730 | 360 | $70,205 | 29% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $61,730 | 240 | $70,310 | 19% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $61,700 | 240 | $61,378 | 36% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $61,660 | 1,550 | $67,415 | 29% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $61,660 | 270 | $70,059 | 25% |
| San Angelo, TX | $61,630 | 160 | $66,661 | 26% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $61,570 | 560 | $65,750 | 34% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $61,530 | 140 | $65,831 | 34% |
| Charleston, WV | $61,500 | 540 | $69,322 | 24% |
| Rome, GA | $61,430 | 220 | $68,134 | 25% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $61,400 | 1,960 | $67,636 | 27% |
| Texarkana, TX | $61,350 | 210 | $73,025 | 25% |
| Florence, SC | $61,300 | 510 | $70,643 | 30% |
| Joplin, MO | $61,240 | 390 | $71,444 | 24% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $61,230 | 190 | $66,476 | 31% |
| Shreveport, LA | $61,200 | 460 | $72,199 | 25% |
| Pocatello, ID | $61,150 | 130 | $68,781 | 21% |
| Albany, GA | $61,110 | 250 | $69,705 | 21% |
| Muncie, IN | $60,990 | 200 | $69,190 | 21% |
| Erie, PA | $60,860 | 540 | $66,916 | 22% |
| Sebastian, FL | $60,810 | 230 | $61,857 | 42% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $60,660 | 230 | $70,471 | 20% |
| Youngstown, OH | $60,570 | 690 | $69,307 | 21% |
| Cleveland, TN | $60,560 | 200 | $68,756 | 28% |
| Florence, AL | $60,560 | 190 | $71,401 | 21% |
| Mansfield, OH | $60,430 | 190 | $67,997 | 18% |
| Abilene, TX | $60,400 | 320 | $66,841 | 40% |
| Lubbock, TX | $60,380 | 610 | $66,121 | 26% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $60,030 | 720 | $64,778 | 28% |
| Lawton, OK | $59,880 | 220 | $69,676 | 23% |
| Morristown, TN | $59,820 | 190 | $69,265 | 31% |
| Dothan, AL | $59,810 | 230 | $71,344 | 24% |
| Huntington, WV | $59,810 | 540 | $67,642 | 22% |
| Victoria, TX | $59,580 | 140 | $66,319 | 24% |
| Sebring, FL | $59,440 | 100 | $64,280 | 31% |
| Macon, GA | $59,190 | 490 | $66,860 | 25% |
| Johnstown, PA | $59,120 | 190 | $68,801 | 18% |
| Houma, LA | $59,050 | 300 | $69,387 | 26% |
| Enid, OK | $59,010 | 110 | $70,026 | 23% |
| El Paso, TX | $58,990 | 1,800 | $65,609 | 31% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $58,830 | 1,580 | $64,399 | 32% |
| Tyler, TX | $58,770 | 490 | $63,772 | 27% |
| Hammond, LA | $58,280 | 140 | $69,003 | 27% |
| Lewiston, ME | $58,240 | 300 | $61,476 | 33% |
| St. George, UT | $58,140 | 300 | $59,740 | 38% |
| Little Rock, AR | $57,640 | 1,630 | $64,500 | 26% |
| Gainesville, FL | $57,520 | 740 | $59,463 | 34% |
| Athens, GA | $57,330 | 420 | $61,419 | 37% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $57,320 | 1,470 | $61,031 | 31% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $57,150 | 290 | $63,351 | 31% |
| Casper, WY | $56,090 | 150 | $59,779 | 31% |
| Lafayette, LA | $56,070 | 540 | $64,294 | 30% |
| Gadsden, AL | $55,720 | 120 | $65,053 | 23% |
| Brownsville, TX | $55,550 | 600 | $64,612 | 33% |
| Dalton, GA | $55,480 | 400 | $61,751 | 30% |
| Valdosta, GA | $55,260 | 260 | $62,603 | 29% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $55,000 | 230 | $62,762 | 28% |
| Monroe, LA | $54,610 | 200 | $65,325 | 26% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $54,220 | 400 | $63,129 | 24% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $53,790 | 200 | $62,637 | 28% |
| McAllen, TX | $53,600 | 970 | $62,402 | 25% |
| Laredo, TX | $51,780 | 430 | $59,547 | 26% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $51,260 | 110 | $59,792 | 29% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $46,630 | 50 | $55,641 | 30% |
What the median HR specialist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $75,940 |
| Month | $6,328 |
| Every two weeks | $2,921 |
| Week | $1,460 |
| Hour | $36.51 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an HR specialist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +6.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 73,700 |
| Self-employed | 1.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | $83,680 | Bachelor's degree |
| Loan officer | $76,690 | Bachelor's degree |
| Project manager | $102,320 | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial advisor | $105,070 | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial analyst | $102,740 | Bachelor's degree |
| Management consultant | $101,860 | Bachelor's degree |
| Claims adjuster | $78,000 | High school diploma |
| Market research analyst | $78,760 | Bachelor's degree |
Questions about HR specialist pay
How much does an HR specialist make an hour?
The median is $36.51 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $22.69 and the top 10% over $61.89.
How much does an HR specialist make a month?
About $6,328 a month before taxes at the median salary of $75,940, or $2,921 every two weeks.
What state pays HR specialists the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $110,970. Massachusetts ($85,630), Washington ($84,550), New York ($84,380) and Maryland ($83,910) follow.
Where do HR specialists make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $110,970 is worth $100,973 at typical US prices. North Dakota, Virginia and Massachusetts come next.
How much do entry-level HR specialists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of HR specialists earn under $47,180 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $58,610, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an HR specialist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 13-1071 (Human Resources Specialists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.