Human Resources Specialist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 11K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$69,010
$33.18/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
-5.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $108K
11K employed in Kentucky
Human Resources Specialist salary in Kentucky averages $69,010 annually, according to current labor data. This represents approximately 5% below the national average, though Kentucky's cost of living may offset this difference for many professionals. The state currently employs around 10,900 Human Resources Specialists across various industries and organization sizes.
Compensation for HR professionals in Kentucky varies significantly based on experience level, employer size, and industry sector. Candidates with advanced certifications or specialized expertise typically command higher salaries within the $107,940 upper range, while entry-level positions may start near $43,690. Geographic location within Kentucky, company profitability, and specific HR responsibilities also influence individual salary offers in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,690 |
| 25th percentile | $52,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $69,010 |
| 75th percentile | $84,990 |
| 90th percentile | $107,940 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,200 |
| 2023 | $61,650 |
| 2024 | $64,950 |
| 2025 | $69,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,151 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,200 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $61,650 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $64,950 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $69,010 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,151 | $76,999 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $69,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $107,940 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Human Resources Specialist ($69,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in KY | $179,530 | +160.2% | $86.31/hr |
| Marketing Manager in KY | $128,930 | +86.8% | $61.99/hr |
| Sales Manager in KY | $128,650 | +86.4% | $61.85/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in KY | $124,350 | +80.2% | $59.78/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in KY | $121,460 | +76.0% | $58.39/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in KY | $112,750 | +63.4% | $54.21/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in KY | $112,320 | +62.8% | $54.00/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in KY | $112,250 | +62.7% | $53.97/hr |
| Construction Manager in KY | $97,020 | +40.6% | $46.64/hr |
| Management Analyst in KY | $95,630 | +38.6% | $45.98/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in KY | $81,700 | +18.4% | $39.28/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in KY | $79,370 | +15.0% | $38.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human Resources Specialists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Kentucky is $69,010 per year, or approximately $33 per hour. This is about 5% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in Kentucky?
- Human Resources Specialists in Kentucky earn between $43,690 and $107,940 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer size. This wide range reflects differences in career level and organizational complexity.
How many HR Specialist jobs are available in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 10,900 Human Resources Specialists currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is HR Specialist salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's HR Specialist median salary of $69,010 is 5% below the national average, making it slightly less competitive than other states for this role.