What Human Resources Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Human Resources Specialists this way: "Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns"; "Analyze employment-related data and prepare required reports"; "Conduct exit interviews and ensure that necessary employment termination paperwork is completed"; "Confer with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures"; "Contact job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Human Resources Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 939,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 999,700 in 2035, an increase of 60,000 jobs (+6.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 73,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $75,940, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Human Resources Specialists earn the most
Across the 26 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $66,400 in Florida to $100,830 in District of Columbia, a gap of $34,430 (1.52 times). 13 of those 26 states average above the BLS national median of $75,940 and 13 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 96,900, which is 9.9% of the 976,150 counted across them. Texas follows with 78,930.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($100,830), West Virginia ($96,512) and Virginia ($91,605) lead the ranking, while Florida ($66,400) and Tennessee ($66,514) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Human Resources Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 37 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $55,788. The smallest margin is $23,212 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 37 of the 37 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 16.7% and 48.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Human Resources Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Logisticians and Compliance Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Human Resources Specialists
What is the national median wage for Human Resources Specialists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $75,940. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $66,400 to $100,830.
Which state pays Human Resources Specialists the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $100,830. West Virginia is next at $96,512.
What is the job outlook for Human Resources Specialists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 73,700 openings a year.
What education do Human Resources Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Human Resources Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $55,788 on a median wage of $100,830.