Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
Human Resources Specialists
SOC: 13-1071 O*NET: 13-1071.00
Median Salary
$72,910
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.2%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
81.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
What does a Human Resources Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,440
10th percentile
Early Career
$55,870
25th percentile
Median
$72,910
50th percentile
Experienced
$97,270
75th percentile
Top Earners
$126,540
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,440
25th
$55,870
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$72,910
Mean: $79,730
75th
$97,270
90th
$126,540
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,100 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $55,870 and $97,270
- •Salary spread is 56.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 917,460 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:944,300
Top Industries
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services19.3%
Administrative and Support Services19.1%
Employment Services15.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.2%
Annual Openings:81,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)944,300
Current
2034 (Projected)1,002,700
+6.2%
+58,400
Employment Change
+6.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Human Resources Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
104,880 jobs$81,8100.98x
Texas
85,580 jobs$64,5601.04x
Florida
62,880 jobs$63,9601.08x
New York
53,030 jobs$81,1400.93x
Pennsylvania
36,710 jobs$66,0201.03x
Ohio
34,590 jobs$64,6001.05x
Georgia
32,980 jobs$65,1301.14x
Illinois
32,600 jobs$72,3500.90x
North Carolina
31,510 jobs$69,4001.08x
Virginia
29,530 jobs$78,5801.22x
Michigan
26,870 jobs$66,4001.03x
Massachusetts
25,490 jobs$81,9601.18x
Washington
25,110 jobs$83,2301.19x
New Jersey
23,180 jobs$78,1700.92x
Colorado
21,020 jobs$78,1701.22x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Service Orientation
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs100%
5 shared skills
Marriage and Family Therapists100%
5 shared skills
Mental Health Counselors100%
5 shared skills
Acupuncturists82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Service Orientation
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Human Resources Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechIBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
GitHub
Tableau
Slack
Salesforce software
Teradata Database
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle Database
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (2)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)Management & Supervision (4)
1
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Analyze employment-related data and prepare required reports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform98%
3
Conduct exit interviews and ensure that necessary employment termination paperwork is completed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Confer with management to develop or implement personnel policies or procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Contact job applicants to inform them of the status of their applications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Develop or implement recruiting strategies to meet current or anticipated staffing needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Inform job applicants of details such as duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, or promotion opportunities.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Human Resources Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Human Resources Specialists professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value relationships
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Human Resources Specialists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.63
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.59
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.57
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.51
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.49
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.45
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
Self-Control
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Concern for Others
4.4
Independence
4.2
Social Orientation
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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