Human Resources Specialist Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 17K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$70,540
$33.91/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
-2.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $105K
17K employed in Wisconsin
The median Human Resources Specialist salary in Wisconsin is $70,540 per year. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these professionals, with the typical range falling between $47,860 and $105,270 annually. It's worth noting that this is approximately 3% below the national average for this role, and currently, around 17,360 individuals are employed in this capacity within the state.
Several factors influence the Human Resources Specialist salary in Wisconsin. Experience level, specific industry of employment, and the size and complexity of the organization all play significant roles. Additionally, geographic location within Wisconsin, whether in a major metropolitan area or a more rural setting, can impact compensation due to varying costs of living and local market demand for HR expertise.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,860 |
| 25th percentile | $57,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,540 |
| 75th percentile | $85,440 |
| 90th percentile | $105,270 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,560 |
| 2023 | $64,570 |
| 2024 | $66,370 |
| 2025 | $70,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,772 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,560 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $64,570 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $66,370 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $70,540 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,772 | $76,999 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $105,270 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Human Resources Specialist ($70,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in WI | $208,350 | +195.4% | $100.17/hr |
| Sales Manager in WI | $134,870 | +91.2% | $64.84/hr |
| Marketing Manager in WI | $133,600 | +89.4% | $64.23/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in WI | $133,490 | +89.2% | $64.18/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in WI | $124,990 | +77.2% | $60.09/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in WI | $123,640 | +75.3% | $59.44/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in WI | $118,730 | +68.3% | $57.08/hr |
| Construction Manager in WI | $114,190 | +61.9% | $54.90/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in WI | $113,980 | +61.6% | $54.80/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in WI | $108,450 | +53.7% | $52.14/hr |
| Management Analyst in WI | $98,780 | +40.0% | $47.49/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in WI | $97,580 | +38.3% | $46.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Wisconsin is $70,540 per year, which breaks down to about $34 per hour. This is 2.9% lower than the national average salary for this role.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in Wisconsin?
- In Wisconsin, the salary range for Human Resources Specialists typically falls between $47,860 on the lower end and $105,270 on the higher end. The median salary of $70,540 sits in the middle of this spectrum.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 17,360 Human Resources Specialists employed in Wisconsin. This indicates a significant presence of HR professionals within the state's workforce.
Is the salary for HR Specialists in Wisconsin higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Wisconsin is 2.9% lower than the national average. While the median is $70,540, professionals in Wisconsin may earn less than their counterparts in other states.