Human Resources Specialist Salary in the United States
Based on 912K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$72,641
$34.924/hr
▲ 5.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$65K – $170K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
912K
workers nationwide
The median Human Resources Specialist salary in the United States is $68,925 per year, with approximately 917,110 professionals currently employed in this role. Salaries range from $63,320 at the lower end to $167,050 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available across different employers and regions throughout the country.
Several factors significantly influence Human Resources Specialist compensation levels. Experience, certifications, and educational background play important roles in determining earning potential. Additionally, company size, industry type, geographic location, and specific HR responsibilities all impact final salary offers. Specialists working in major metropolitan areas or for large corporations typically command higher compensation than those in smaller markets or organizations.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,280 |
| 25th percentile | $82,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,641 |
| 75th percentile | $148,700 |
| 90th percentile | $170,330 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Human Resources Specialist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $110,970 | +52.8% | 7K |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $85,630 | +17.9% | 27K |
| 3 | Washington | $84,550 | +16.4% | 23K |
| 4 | New York | $84,380 | +16.2% | 55K |
| 5 | Maryland | $83,910 | +15.5% | 16K |
| 6 | California | $83,500 | +14.9% | 104K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $82,890 | +14.1% | 9K |
| 8 | Virginia | $82,090 | +13.0% | 29K |
| 9 | Colorado | $80,840 | +11.3% | 19K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $80,690 | +11.1% | 22K |
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Specialist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $72,641 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human Resources Specialists make per hour in the US?
- Human Resources Specialists earn a median of $33 per hour in the United States. This translates to an annual salary of $68,925 for most professionals in this role.
What city pays Human Resources Specialists the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest salary for Human Resources Specialists at $102,500 per year, which is significantly above the national median of $68,925.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in America?
- Human Resources Specialist salaries in the US range from $63,320 at the lower end to $167,050 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 917,110 Human Resources Specialists currently employed across the United States, making it a substantial profession within the labor market.