Human Resources Specialist Salary in the United States
Based on 912K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$72,641
$34.92/hr
▲ 5.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$48K – $120K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
912K
workers nationwide
The median Human Resources Specialist salary in the United States is $72,641 per year, equivalent to $35 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of all professionals in this role earning more and half earning less. The salary range for these specialists extends from $47,784 to $119,968 annually.
Several factors can influence a Human Resources Specialist salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the size and type of the company, geographical location, and specific industry. For example, specialists in high-cost-of-living areas or those with advanced certifications may command higher salaries than their counterparts in lower-cost regions or with less experience.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,784 |
| 25th percentile | $57,433 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,641 |
| 75th percentile | $94,678 |
| 90th percentile | $119,968 |
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 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Industry
How much Human Resources Specialists earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($103,260 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $103,260 | +42.2% | 27K |
| 2 | Utilities | $97,360 | +34.0% | 3K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $85,450 | +17.6% | 51K |
| 4 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $85,040 | +17.1% | 2K |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $84,350 | +16.1% | 91K |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $82,800 | +14.0% | 125K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $82,110 | +13.0% | 31K |
| 8 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $79,920 | +10.0% | 73K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $79,270 | +9.1% | 67K |
| 10 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $76,120 | +4.8% | 700 |
| 11 | Construction | $75,620 | +4.1% | 22K |
| 12 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $74,940 | +3.2% | 13K |
| 13 | Educational Services | $73,520 | +1.2% | 47K |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $72,670 | +0.0% | 16K |
| 15 | Transportation and Warehousing | $71,690 | -1.3% | 28K |
| 16 | Accommodation and Food Services | $66,080 | -9.0% | 12K |
| 17 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $65,770 | -9.5% | 9K |
| 18 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $64,130 | -11.7% | 105K |
| 19 | Administrative and Support Services | $61,340 | -15.6% | 160K |
| 20 | Retail Trade | $61,010 | -16.0% | 28K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Human Resources Specialist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Human Resources Specialist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tt Commerce & Global Services | $129,659 | 14 |
| 2 | Amazon | $82,800 | 7 |
| 3 | TikTok | $125,750 | 6 |
| 4 | V-Soft Consulting Group | $72,000 | 4 |
| 5 | Ernst & Young | $130,698 | 4 |
| 6 | Infinite Computer Solutions | $121,430 | 3 |
| 7 | Anthropic Pbc | $113,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Specialist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,557 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,433 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,641 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,678 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $119,968 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Human Resources Specialist in the US?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in the United States is $72,641 annually. This means that half of all specialists earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for a Human Resources Specialist?
- The salary range for a Human Resources Specialist in the US typically falls between $47,784 and $119,968 per year. Entry-level positions might be closer to the lower end, while experienced professionals can earn significantly more.
Which state pays the most for Human Resources Specialists?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Human Resources Specialists, with an average salary of $110,970 per year. This is considerably higher than the national median of $72,641.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in the US?
- There are a substantial 912,450 Human Resources Specialists employed across the United States. This indicates a robust job market for this profession.