Human Resources Specialist Salary in Illinois
Based on 35K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$76,820
$36.93/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $124K
35K employed in Illinois
Human Resources Specialist salary in Illinois averages $76,820 per year, positioning the state favorably in compensation. Illinois exceeds the national average by 6%, reflecting strong demand for HR professionals in the state's diverse business landscape. With approximately 35,430 HR specialists currently employed across Illinois, the field maintains robust job opportunities and competitive wage standards.
Several factors influence Human Resources Specialist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and educational background. Geographic location within the state plays a role, with major metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation than rural regions. Additionally, specialized certifications and expertise in areas like employee relations or compliance can command premium salaries within this professional field.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,980 |
| 25th percentile | $60,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,820 |
| 75th percentile | $98,580 |
| 90th percentile | $123,940 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,220 |
| 2023 | $65,990 |
| 2024 | $72,350 |
| 2025 | $76,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,429 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,220 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $65,990 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $72,350 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $76,820 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,429 | $76,999 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,940 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Human Resources Specialist ($76,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in IL | $331,920 | +332.1% | $159.58/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IL | $162,860 | +112.0% | $78.30/hr |
| Sales Manager in IL | $155,280 | +102.1% | $74.65/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IL | $153,370 | +99.6% | $73.74/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IL | $151,370 | +97.0% | $72.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IL | $131,990 | +71.8% | $63.46/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IL | $130,610 | +70.0% | $62.79/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IL | $127,270 | +65.7% | $61.19/hr |
| Construction Manager in IL | $109,160 | +42.1% | $52.48/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IL | $106,860 | +39.1% | $51.38/hr |
| Management Analyst in IL | $104,270 | +35.7% | $50.13/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IL | $103,570 | +34.8% | $49.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialist make in Illinois?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Illinois is $76,820 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 5.8% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for HR professionals.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in Illinois?
- Human Resources Specialists in Illinois earn between $48,980 and $123,940 per year, depending on experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities. This wide range reflects the variation in compensation across different industries and company sizes in the state.
How many HR Specialists work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 35,430 Human Resources Specialists employed in Illinois, representing a substantial job market for HR professionals in the state.
Is the HR Specialist salary in Illinois above the national average?
- Yes, Illinois offers HR Specialist salaries that are 5.8% higher than the national average. With a median of $76,820 annually, the state provides above-average compensation for this profession.