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
$75,940
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
$47,180
10th percentile
Early Career
$58,610
25th percentile
Median
$75,940
50th percentile
Experienced
$99,380
75th percentile
Top Earners
$128,720
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$47,180
25th
$58,610
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$75,940
Mean: $81,990
75th
$99,380
90th
$128,720
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,540 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $58,610 and $99,380
- •Salary spread is 53.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 912,430 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 Services17.6%
Administrative and Support Services17.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services13.7%
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
104,000 jobs$83,5000.97x
Texas
84,930 jobs$68,9201.03x
Florida
62,730 jobs$66,4101.08x
New York
54,610 jobs$84,3800.96x
Pennsylvania
36,960 jobs$70,4501.04x
Illinois
35,430 jobs$76,8200.99x
Ohio
33,500 jobs$70,1801.03x
Georgia
32,110 jobs$70,5701.12x
North Carolina
31,140 jobs$73,0701.07x
Virginia
28,540 jobs$82,0901.18x
Massachusetts
27,300 jobs$85,6301.28x
Michigan
25,520 jobs$69,5200.99x
Washington
22,770 jobs$84,5501.09x
New Jersey
21,690 jobs$80,6900.86x
Tennessee
21,460 jobs$67,3701.12x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Personnel and Human Resources
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
Administrative
90%
#7
Reading Comprehension
86%
#8
Written Comprehension
82%
#9
Administration and Management
80%
#10
Critical Thinking
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Personnel and Human Resources
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Administrative
advanced4.5
90%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Written Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
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
Personnel and Human Resources
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Administrative
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speech Clarity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Personnel and Human Resources
- ✓Administrative
- ✓Administration and Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Service Orientation
- →Customer and Personal Service
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Personnel and Human Resources
- ✓Administrative
- ✓Administration and Management
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Personnel and Human Resources
- ★Administrative
- ★Reading Comprehension
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Human Resources Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 73 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 1 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: SC (10) , TX (9) , VA (6) , MI (5) , TN (5)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Human Resources Specialists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.8k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.6k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.3k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.2k program completions/year
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
978 program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
897 program completions/year