Human Resources Specialist Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 3K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$77,560
$37.29/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+6.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $128K
3K employed in Rhode Island
The Human Resources Specialist salary in Rhode Island presents a competitive landscape for professionals in this vital field. The median annual salary stands at $77,560, a figure that is approximately 7% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong demand and appreciation for HR expertise within the state, where roughly 3,320 individuals currently hold these positions.
Several factors influence the Human Resources Specialist salary in Rhode Island. The specific range, from $51,270 to $128,250 annually, reflects variations based on experience level, the size and industry of the employing organization, and the specific responsibilities of the role. Geographic location within Rhode Island and specialized certifications can also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,270 |
| 25th percentile | $62,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,560 |
| 75th percentile | $97,210 |
| 90th percentile | $128,250 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,990 |
| 2023 | $65,000 |
| 2024 | $70,060 |
| 2025 | $77,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,214 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,990 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $65,000 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $70,060 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $77,560 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,214 | $76,999 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,250 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Human Resources Specialist ($77,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in RI | $235,360 | +203.5% | $113.15/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in RI | $167,110 | +115.5% | $80.34/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in RI | $156,080 | +101.2% | $75.04/hr |
| Sales Manager in RI | $154,970 | +99.8% | $74.50/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in RI | $134,560 | +73.5% | $64.69/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in RI | $128,980 | +66.3% | $62.01/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in RI | $124,120 | +60.0% | $59.67/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in RI | $117,380 | +51.3% | $56.43/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in RI | $116,590 | +50.3% | $56.05/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in RI | $104,680 | +35.0% | $50.33/hr |
| Construction Manager in RI | $103,990 | +34.1% | $50.00/hr |
| Management Analyst in RI | $99,640 | +28.5% | $47.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialist make in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Rhode Island is $77,560 per year, which is equivalent to $37 per hour. This means half of all HR Specialists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, Human Resources Specialists can expect to earn between $51,270 and $128,250 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific responsibilities within the role.
How does the Human Resources Specialist salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
- Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island earn approximately 6.8% more than the national average. This suggests a strong demand and potentially higher cost of living contributing to the increased compensation.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 3,320 Human Resources Specialists currently employed in Rhode Island. This number indicates a moderate job market for this profession within the state.