Human Resources Specialist Salary in Colorado
Based on 19K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$80,840
$38.87/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+11.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $134K
19K employed in Colorado
Human Resources Specialist salary in Colorado averages $80,840 annually, positioning the state 11% above the national average. With approximately 19,450 HR specialists employed across Colorado, the state offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries range from $51,290 to $133,850, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels throughout the state's employment landscape.
Several factors influence Human Resources Specialist salary in Colorado, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state. Advanced certifications like SHRM-CP or CIPHR can command higher wages, as can specialization in areas like compensation, talent acquisition, or employee relations. Larger metropolitan areas like Denver typically offer elevated salaries compared to rural regions, while specific industries such as technology and finance tend to pay premium rates for HR expertise.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,290 |
| 25th percentile | $62,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,840 |
| 75th percentile | $104,750 |
| 90th percentile | $133,850 |
Top-Paying Industries for Human Resources Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Human Resources Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Human Resources Specialists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $103,260 | 27K |
| Utilities | $97,360 | 3K |
| Finance and Insurance | $85,450 | 51K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $85,040 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $84,350 | 91K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Specialist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $74,540 |
| 2023 | $77,490 |
| 2024 | $78,170 |
| 2025 | $80,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,601 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $74,540 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $77,490 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $78,170 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $80,840 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,601 | $75,122 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,850 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Human Resources Specialist ($80,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CO | $213,370 | +163.9% | $102.58/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CO | $182,730 | +126.0% | $87.85/hr |
| Sales Manager in CO | $180,850 | +123.7% | $86.95/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CO | $171,250 | +111.8% | $82.33/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CO | $166,400 | +105.8% | $80.00/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CO | $162,870 | +101.5% | $78.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CO | $157,000 | +94.2% | $75.48/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CO | $141,020 | +74.4% | $67.80/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CO | $139,980 | +73.2% | $67.30/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CO | $131,840 | +63.1% | $63.38/hr |
| Construction Manager in CO | $124,830 | +54.4% | $60.01/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CO | $110,050 | +36.1% | $52.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HR specialists make in Colorado?
- HR specialists in Colorado earn a median salary of $80,840 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is 11.3% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for human resources specialists in Colorado?
- The salary range for HR specialists in Colorado spans from $51,290 at the lower end to $133,850 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many HR specialist jobs are available in Colorado?
- There are currently 19,450 HR specialists employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is the HR specialist salary in Colorado better than the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's median HR specialist salary of $80,840 is 11.3% higher than the national average, making it a competitive market for HR professionals in the state.