Position
Salary

How much does a Human Resources Specialist make?

The average salary for a Human Resources Specialist is $60,871 per year in the US.

Human Resources Specialists play a vital role in managing a company's workforce. They recruit, screen, and interview candidates. They also handle payroll and benefits. Because of their important work, they earn a good salary. On average, a Human Resources Specialist makes $60,871 a year.


To understand the salary range, look at these numbers. The bottom 10% earn $32,000 or less. The top 10% earn $118,175 or more. Most Human Resources Specialists fall in the middle. For example, someone in the 50th percentile earns around $55,502 a year. Others may earn between $39,834 and $71,171. These numbers show that experience and skills can greatly affect salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Human Resources Specialist?

San Francisco, CA, stands out as a top city for Human Resources Specialists with its high average salary of $104,752. This makes it an attractive destination for those seeking higher earnings in HR roles. Similarly, San Jose, CA, offers another competitive salary of $99,524 for HR specialists. Washington, DC, also provides a strong financial incentive with an average salary of $92,018 for Human Resources Specialists. This reflects the demand for skilled HR professionals in this region.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Human Resources Specialist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $104,752 and Cincinnati, OH with the lowest at $75,690.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $104,752
    In San Francisco, you can thrive with a Human Resources role at a tech giant. The tech scene offers many opportunities for HR specialists to work with innovative companies. The cost of living is high, but the career growth is strong.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $99,524
    San Jose brings a unique chance to work in HR within the Silicon Valley. The tech industry here is booming, providing many openings for HR specialists. The competitive salary makes it a desirable place for HR professionals.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $92,018
    In Washington, DC, HR specialists often work in government or non-profits. The political scene adds an exciting layer to HR roles. Working here means dealing with unique challenges and rewards.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,139
    Seattle offers a blend of tech and natural beauty for HR roles. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft provide many opportunities. The lifestyle here is appealing, with a mix of work and outdoor activities.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $81,453
    Los Angeles provides diverse HR opportunities in entertainment and tech. The large population and varied industries create a dynamic work environment. The cost of living is high, but so are the career prospects.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $78,645
    Minneapolis offers a mix of small businesses and big companies for HR work. The friendly community and lower cost of living make it an attractive place. You can find rewarding HR roles in various sectors here.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  7. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $77,177
    In Santa Maria, HR specialists often work in agriculture and healthcare. The smaller city size means more personal connections. This can be a great place for HR professionals looking for a closer-knit community.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  8. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $76,667
    Charlotte is a hub for finance and banking, offering many HR roles. The city’s growing economy provides good opportunities. The cost of living is moderate, making it a great place for career growth.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $76,448
    San Diego offers a mix of biotech, defense, and tech for HR specialists. The mild climate and beautiful beaches make it an appealing place to work. The city’s diverse industries provide varied HR opportunities.
    Find Human Resources Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $75,690
    Cincinnati provides a balance of big company and small business HR roles. The cost of living is low, and the city offers a great quality of life. HR specialists here enjoy a mix of urban and community settings.
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What are the best companies a Human Resources Specialist can work for?

Some of the best paying companies for Human Resources Specialist jobs include Google, UC Davis, and the City of Cincinnati. At Google, specialists can expect an average salary of around $142,500. UC Davis and the City of Cincinnati also offer competitive salaries, with averages around $90,989 and $88,012, respectively. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those in the Human Resources field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Human Resources Specialist jobs, highlighting Google with the highest at $142,500 and State of Missouri with the lowest at $60,061.
  1. Google
    Average Salary: $142,500
    Google offers exciting Human Resources Specialist jobs. They focus on employee well-being and career growth. They operate globally, with main offices in California and many other countries.


  2. UC Davis
    Average Salary: $90,989
    UC Davis provides Human Resources Specialist positions. They emphasize work-life balance and professional development. They are located in California with various campuses.


  3. City of Cincinnati
    Average Salary: $88,012
    The City of Cincinnati offers Human Resources Specialist jobs. They focus on community and employee satisfaction. They operate within Cincinnati, Ohio.


  4. State of Rhode Island
    Average Salary: $71,782
    The State of Rhode Island provides Human Resources Specialist roles. They are dedicated to public service and employee benefits. They operate across Rhode Island.


  5. Insperity
    Average Salary: $69,114
    Insperity offers Human Resources Specialist jobs. They focus on HR solutions and employee engagement. They have offices across the United States.


  6. Ultimate Staffing Services
    Average Salary: $67,036
    Ultimate Staffing Services offers Human Resources Specialist roles. They provide employment solutions and professional growth. They operate nationwide.


  7. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $66,106
    The State of Michigan offers Human Resources Specialist jobs. They focus on public service and employee benefits. They operate across Michigan.


  8. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $64,443
    AppleOne provides Human Resources Specialist positions. They offer staffing solutions and career opportunities. They operate nationwide.


  9. Baltimore County, MD
    Average Salary: $63,723
    Baltimore County, MD offers Human Resources Specialist roles. They focus on public service and employee benefits. They operate within Baltimore County, Maryland.


  10. State of Missouri
    Average Salary: $60,061
    The State of Missouri provides Human Resources Specialist jobs. They focus on public service and employee benefits. They operate across Missouri.

How to earn more as a Human Resources Specialist?

A Human Resources Specialist can boost their earning potential by focusing on specific strategies that enhance their skills and marketability. By investing in further education, gaining specialized certifications, and seeking promotions within their organization, a specialist can increase their salary. Actively participating in professional development opportunities and networking with industry peers also plays a critical role in salary growth. Engaging in continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends ensures the specialist remains competitive in the job market.

To maximize earnings, consider the following strategies:

  1. Education: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field. Advanced degrees can lead to higher positions.
  2. Certifications: Obtain certifications such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) to stand out to employers.
  3. Experience: Gain experience in different roles within HR. Each role provides valuable skills and insights that can lead to higher positions.
  4. Networking: Build relationships with HR professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
  5. Performance: Consistently perform well in current roles. High performance can lead to promotions and salary increases.

Currently 782 Human Resources Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Human Resources Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Human Resources Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Human Resources Specialist today.
Position
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Human Resources Specialist
782 Job Openings