Human Resources Specialist Salary in Iowa
Based on 8K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$66,710
$32.07/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
-8.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $111K
8K employed in Iowa
Human Resources Specialist salary in Iowa averages $66,710 annually, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation across Iowa's 7,930 HR specialist workers. While competitive within the state, the Human Resources Specialist salary in Iowa runs approximately 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to higher-wage metropolitan areas nationwide.
Several factors influence earning potential for HR specialists in Iowa, including years of experience, company size, and industry sector. Educational credentials and specialized certifications can significantly impact compensation within this field. Geographic location within Iowa, specific employer demands, and individual job responsibilities also play important roles in determining where salaries fall within the $45,400 to $110,640 range.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,400 |
| 25th percentile | $53,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,710 |
| 75th percentile | $85,770 |
| 90th percentile | $110,640 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,300 |
| 2023 | $63,590 |
| 2024 | $64,920 |
| 2025 | $66,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,549 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,300 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $63,590 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $64,920 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $66,710 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,549 | $74,644 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $110,640 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Human Resources Specialist ($66,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in IA | $211,190 | +216.6% | $101.53/hr |
| Sales Manager in IA | $134,010 | +100.9% | $64.43/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IA | $131,120 | +96.6% | $63.04/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IA | $126,370 | +89.4% | $60.75/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IA | $121,580 | +82.3% | $58.45/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IA | $120,730 | +81.0% | $58.04/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IA | $116,920 | +75.3% | $56.21/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IA | $108,330 | +62.4% | $52.08/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IA | $106,510 | +59.7% | $51.21/hr |
| Construction Manager in IA | $99,280 | +48.8% | $47.73/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IA | $96,540 | +44.7% | $46.41/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IA | $87,690 | +31.4% | $42.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human Resources Specialists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Iowa is $66,710 per year, or $32 per hour. This is approximately 8.2% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in Iowa?
- Human Resources Specialists in Iowa earn between $45,400 and $110,640 annually, depending on experience, employer size, and specific role responsibilities.
How many HR Specialist jobs are available in Iowa?
- There are currently 7,930 Human Resources Specialists employed in Iowa, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is an HR Specialist salary in Iowa above or below the national average?
- HR Specialist salaries in Iowa are 8.2% below the national average, with Iowa's median of $66,710 compared to higher national figures for the same position.