Human Resources Specialist Salary in Washington
Based on 23K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$84,550
$40.65/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
+16.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$57K – $136K
23K employed in Washington
The Human Resources Specialist salary in Washington offers a competitive earning potential, with a median annual income of $84,550. This figure represents a significant 16% above the national average, highlighting the strong demand for these professionals in the Evergreen State, where approximately 22,770 individuals are employed in this role.
Several factors contribute to the Human Resources Specialist salary in Washington. Beyond location, experience level, specific industry within Washington, and the size and type of employer all play a crucial role in determining compensation, with salaries ranging broadly from $57,030 to $136,070 annually.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,030 |
| 25th percentile | $69,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,550 |
| 75th percentile | $110,550 |
| 90th percentile | $136,070 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,620 |
| 2023 | $81,190 |
| 2024 | $83,230 |
| 2025 | $84,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,891 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,620 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $81,190 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $83,230 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $84,550 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,891 | $73,793 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $69,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $110,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,070 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Human Resources Specialist ($84,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in WA | $339,810 | +301.9% | $163.37/hr |
| Sales Manager in WA | $174,000 | +105.8% | $83.65/hr |
| Marketing Manager in WA | $172,270 | +103.7% | $82.82/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in WA | $165,530 | +95.8% | $79.58/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in WA | $163,360 | +93.2% | $78.54/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in WA | $162,730 | +92.5% | $78.24/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in WA | $159,440 | +88.6% | $76.65/hr |
| Construction Manager in WA | $155,070 | +83.4% | $74.55/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in WA | $145,210 | +71.7% | $69.81/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in WA | $133,750 | +58.2% | $64.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in WA | $130,630 | +54.5% | $62.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in WA | $124,160 | +46.8% | $59.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialist make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Washington is $84,550 per year, which equates to about $41 per hour. This median figure means half of HR specialists earn more, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for a Human Resources Specialist in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary range for a Human Resources Specialist generally falls between $57,030 and $136,070 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Is the salary for a Human Resources Specialist higher in Washington compared to the national average?
- Yes, Human Resources Specialists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. Their salaries are approximately 16.4% higher than the national median, reflecting strong demand and a higher cost of living in the state.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in Washington?
- There are a substantial number of Human Resources Specialists working in Washington, with a total of 22,770 individuals employed in this role. This indicates a robust job market for HR professionals in the state.