Human Resources Specialist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 27K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$85,630
$41.17/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+17.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $145K
27K employed in Massachusetts
Human Resources Specialist salary in Massachusetts averages $85,630 annually, positioning the state well above the national benchmark. Massachusetts employs approximately 27,300 HR specialists across diverse industries, from healthcare to technology. The salary range spans from $57,500 to $145,130, reflecting significant variation based on individual qualifications and employer size.
Several factors influence Human Resources Specialist salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Company size and location within the state matter considerably, with Boston-area positions typically commanding higher compensation. Specialized certifications, such as PHR or SHRM-CP, and expertise in emerging HR technologies can also substantially impact earning potential for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,500 |
| 25th percentile | $67,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,630 |
| 75th percentile | $115,060 |
| 90th percentile | $145,130 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,460 |
| 2023 | $77,420 |
| 2024 | $81,960 |
| 2025 | $85,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,464 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,460 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $77,420 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $81,960 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $85,630 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,464 | $75,894 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $145,130 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Human Resources Specialist ($85,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in MA | $212,020 | +147.6% | $101.93/hr |
| Sales Manager in MA | $191,200 | +123.3% | $91.92/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in MA | $181,780 | +112.3% | $87.39/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in MA | $171,740 | +100.6% | $82.57/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in MA | $170,750 | +99.4% | $82.09/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in MA | $148,050 | +72.9% | $71.18/hr |
| Construction Manager in MA | $145,010 | +69.3% | $69.72/hr |
| Management Analyst in MA | $134,720 | +57.3% | $64.77/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in MA | $127,220 | +48.6% | $61.16/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in MA | $116,710 | +36.3% | $56.11/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in MA | $114,190 | +33.4% | $54.90/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MA | $103,410 | +20.8% | $49.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HR specialists make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for HR specialists in Massachusetts is $85,630 per year, or $41 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Massachusetts salaries running 17.9% above the typical rate across the United States.
What is the salary range for a human resources specialist in Massachusetts?
- HR specialists in Massachusetts can expect salaries ranging from $57,500 on the lower end to $145,130 on the higher end, depending on experience, employer size, and specific responsibilities.
Is working as an HR specialist in Massachusetts better paid than the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts HR specialists earn 17.9% more than the national average, with a median salary of $85,630 compared to lower national figures. This makes it one of the better-paying states for this profession.
How many HR specialists are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 27,300 human resources specialists employed throughout Massachusetts, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.