💼 Business & Finance ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Human Resources Specialist

HR specialists recruit, screen, and onboard employees, manage benefits, handle employee relations, and ensure labor law compliance. Nearly every organization with more than 50 employees needs HR support — and the profession has a clear path to manager, director, and VP.

$62,290 Median Salary
764K US Jobs
2–4 years Training
$6,000–$40,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$42,000
Median
$62,290
Experienced
$95,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
764K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
SHRM-CP or PHR Certification
Required Credential
SHRM-CP or PHR Certification

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
AAS or BS in Human Resources Management
Program Length
2–4 years
Typical Tuition
$6,000–$40,000
Work Setting
Every industry — corporate, healthcare, manufacturing, government
🏆 Credential Required: SHRM-CP or PHR Certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Human Resources Specialist involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Every industry — corporate environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Human Resources Specialist by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC