Human Resources Specialist Salary in Minnesota
Based on 17K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$78,760
$37.87/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+8.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $127K
17K employed in Minnesota
Human Resources Specialist salary in Minnesota averages $78,760 per year, positioning the state 8% above the national average. With approximately 17,240 HR specialists currently employed throughout Minnesota, the field offers competitive compensation. Salaries in this role typically range from $50,330 to $127,060 annually, reflecting the diversity of positions and career stages within the human resources sector.
Several factors influence Human Resources Specialist salary in Minnesota, including experience level, certifications, company size, and industry sector. Urban centers like Minneapolis-St. Paul tend to offer higher compensation packages than rural areas. Additionally, employers in technology, healthcare, and finance generally provide more competitive salaries than other industries. Educational background, specialized skills in compliance or talent management, and tenure with an organization also significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,330 |
| 25th percentile | $61,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,760 |
| 75th percentile | $100,930 |
| 90th percentile | $127,060 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,320 |
| 2023 | $74,500 |
| 2024 | $77,250 |
| 2025 | $78,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,300 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,320 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $74,500 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $77,250 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $78,760 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,300 | $74,061 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,060 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Human Resources Specialist ($78,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in MN | $195,670 | +148.4% | $94.07/hr |
| Marketing Manager in MN | $173,300 | +120.0% | $83.32/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in MN | $153,770 | +95.2% | $73.93/hr |
| Sales Manager in MN | $151,670 | +92.6% | $72.92/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in MN | $144,810 | +83.9% | $69.62/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in MN | $139,040 | +76.5% | $66.85/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in MN | $137,290 | +74.3% | $66.00/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in MN | $131,680 | +67.2% | $63.31/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in MN | $123,580 | +56.9% | $59.41/hr |
| Construction Manager in MN | $123,400 | +56.7% | $59.33/hr |
| Management Analyst in MN | $100,790 | +28.0% | $48.46/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in MN | $99,340 | +26.1% | $47.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HR specialists make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for HR specialists in Minnesota is $78,760 per year, which equals approximately $38 per hour. This is 8.4% higher than the national average, making Minnesota a competitive state for HR specialist compensation.
What is the salary range for HR specialists in Minnesota?
- HR specialist salaries in Minnesota range from $50,330 at the lower end to $127,060 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, company size, and specific HR specializations.
How many HR specialists are employed in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 17,240 HR specialists currently employed in Minnesota, indicating a substantial job market for professionals in this field.
Is Minnesota's HR specialist salary above the national average?
- Yes, Minnesota's median HR specialist salary of $78,760 is 8.4% higher than the national average, making it an attractive location for HR professionals seeking above-average compensation.