Human Resources Specialist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 31K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$73,070
$35.13/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+0.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $126K
31K employed in North Carolina
The median Human Resources Specialist salary in North Carolina is $73,070 per year, positioning North Carolina slightly above the national average by 1%. This figure falls within a broad salary range, from approximately $46,760 to $126,000 annually, reflecting diverse compensation across the state for this vital role. Currently, around 31,140 professionals are employed in Human Resources Specialist positions across North Carolina.
Several factors influence the Human Resources Specialist salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a primary driver, with seasoned professionals commanding higher salaries. Location within the state, particularly in major metropolitan areas versus rural regions, can also significantly impact compensation. Additionally, the size and industry of the employing organization, as well as specialized skills or certifications held by the individual, play a crucial role in determining their earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,760 |
| 25th percentile | $56,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,070 |
| 75th percentile | $96,910 |
| 90th percentile | $126,000 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,670 |
| 2023 | $64,880 |
| 2024 | $69,400 |
| 2025 | $73,070 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,934 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,670 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $64,880 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $69,400 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $73,070 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,934 | $76,482 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,070 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,000 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Human Resources Specialist ($73,070 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in NC | $314,290 | +330.1% | $151.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in NC | $165,480 | +126.5% | $79.56/hr |
| Sales Manager in NC | $150,470 | +105.9% | $72.34/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in NC | $142,990 | +95.7% | $68.75/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in NC | $138,710 | +89.8% | $66.69/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in NC | $132,280 | +81.0% | $63.60/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NC | $126,200 | +72.7% | $60.67/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in NC | $125,940 | +72.4% | $60.55/hr |
| Construction Manager in NC | $106,640 | +45.9% | $51.27/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in NC | $105,630 | +44.6% | $50.78/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in NC | $101,950 | +39.5% | $49.01/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in NC | $100,820 | +38.0% | $48.47/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Human Resources Specialist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in North Carolina is $73,070 per year. This equates to an hourly rate of approximately $35. This median is slightly higher than the national average, by about 0.6%.
How much can a Human Resources Specialist expect to earn in North Carolina?
- The salary range for Human Resources Specialists in North Carolina is quite broad, with the lowest 10% earning around $46,760 annually and the top 10% making up to $126,000 per year. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle at $73,070.
Is the salary for HR Specialists in North Carolina higher than the national average?
- Yes, Human Resources Specialists in North Carolina earn slightly more than the national average, with a median salary that is approximately 0.6% higher. The median annual salary in North Carolina is $73,070.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 31,140 Human Resources Specialists currently employed in North Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $73,070, with a typical range from $46,760 to $126,000.