Human Resources Specialists

SOC code 13-1071 · O*NET-SOC 13-1071.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation

HR is a common pivot for people with office experience in other fields — a bachelor's degree is typical, but certifications like the SHRM-CP carry real weight. Recruiting-heavy roles often add performance bonuses to base pay.

Human Resources Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$75,940

a year

Hourly

$36.51

per hour

10th$47,180Median$75,94090th$128,720

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$81,990

$39.42 per hour

Middle 50%

$58,610 – $99,380

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,180 – $128,720

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

912,430

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $47,180; $22.69/hr
25th percentile: $58,610; $28.18/hr
Median percentile: $75,940; $36.51/hr
75th percentile: $99,380; $47.78/hr
90th percentile: $128,720; $61.89/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+6%

Growing faster than average

944,300

jobs in 2024

1,002,700

projected for 2034

About 58,400 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a human resources specialist do?

Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
Administer employee benefit plans.
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.

How to become a human resources specialist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree47%
Master's Degree25%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)14%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7%

Common questions

How much does a human resources specialist earn?

The national median is $75,940 a year. The full range runs from $47,180 at the 10th percentile to $128,720 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a human resources specialist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is human resources specialist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.1/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources4.6/5
Administrative3.9/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
English Language3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Law and Government3.3/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Computers and Electronics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making, Instructing.