Human Resources Specialist
Office Administration & HR
CIP Name: Human Resources Specialist|CIP Code: 52.1001
SOC Codes: 25-1011, 11-3111, 11-3121, 11-3131, 43-4161, 13-1041, 13-1071, 13-1075, 13-1141, 13-1151
Manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
$86K
Median Salary
+5.15%
Job Growth
6mo-2yr
Training
8.8K
Jobs/Year
What Human Resources Specialists Do
Manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
Common Tasks
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
- 2Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 3Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 4Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and conferences.
What You'll Learn
personnel and organization policyhuman resource dynamics and flowslabor relationssex rolescivil rightshuman resources law and regulationsmotivation and compensation systemswork systemscareer managementemployee testing and assessmentrecruitment and selectionmanaging employee and job training programsthe management of human resources programs and operations
Types of Human Resources Specialists
Accounting InstructorAccounting ProfessorAssociate ProfessorBusiness Administration ProfessorBusiness InstructorBusiness ProfessorInstructorManagement ProfessorMarketing ProfessorProfessorBenefits CoordinatorBenefits DirectorBenefits ManagerCompensation DirectorCompensation ManagerCompensation and Benefits DirectorCompensation and Benefits ManagerEmployee Benefits CoordinatorEmployee Benefits ManagerPayroll ManagerEmployee Relations ManagerHR Admin Director (Human Resources Administration Director)HR Director (Human Resources Director)HR Manager (Human Resources Manager)HR Ops Manager (Human Resources Operations Manager)HR VP (Human Resources Vice President)Recruitment DirectorEducation and Development ManagerL and D Director (Learning and Development Director)Learning ManagerOrganizational Development Manager (OD Manager)Staff Development DirectorStaff Training and Development ManagerTraining DirectorTraining ManagerTraining and Development Coordinator (T and D Coordinator)Training and Development Director (T and D Director)Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant)Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant)Human Resources Associate (HR Associate)Personnel ClerkDriver ExaminerDriver License AgentDriver License ExaminerExaminerLicense ExaminerLicense Registration ExaminerLicensing AnalystMotor Vehicle ClerkPublic Service Representative (PSR)Transportation Services Representative (TSR)Corporate RecruiterEmployment RepresentativeHR Analyst (Human Resources Analyst)HR Coordinator (Human Resources Coordinator)HR Generalist (Human Resources Generalist)Human Resources Representative (HR Rep)Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)Personnel AnalystPersonnel OfficerRecruiterBusiness AgentBusiness RepresentativeGrievance ManagerLabor Relations SpecialistLabor SpecialistBenefits AnalystBenefits ConsultantBenefits SpecialistCompensation AnalystCompensation ConsultantCompensation SpecialistCompensation and Benefits AnalystCompensation and Benefits SpecialistEmployee Benefits SpecialistPosition Classification SpecialistComputer Training SpecialistCorporate TrainerJob Training SpecialistLeadership Development SpecialistLearning and Development ConsultantLearning and Development Specialist (L and D Specialist)Management Development SpecialistTrainerTraining SpecialistTraining and Development Consultant
Work Environment
Locations
- • Corporate offices
- • Government agencies
- • Hospitals and healthcare systems
- • Manufacturing and distribution companies
- • Staffing and recruiting firms
Schedule
Most roles work a standard weekday business schedule, with occasional longer days during hiring surges, investigations, audits, or benefit enrollment periods.
Physical Demands
Work is primarily desk-based with long periods of sitting and frequent computer use. Physical effort is generally light, but repetitive motions (typing/mouse use) and occasional walking to meetings are common.
Salary & Job Outlook
Median $85,960
$47,379$129,438+
Entry Level
10th percentile
$47,379
Early Career
25th percentile
$61,368
Median
50th percentile
$85,960
Experienced
75th percentile
$113,953
Top Earners
90th percentile
$129,438+
National Employment: 2,474,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Hiring needs tend to rise as companies expand, open new locations, or face higher turnover. Ongoing changes in labor laws, benefits, and workplace expectations can also increase the need for HR and compliance support.
Skills You'll Need
Clear written and verbal communicationKnowledge of employment laws and HR compliance (EEO, ADA, wage and hour basics)Interviewing and candidate evaluationConflict resolution and discretion with confidential informationHRIS and spreadsheet skills (data entry, reporting, basic analytics)Organization and attention to detail (records, policies, deadlines)Customer-service mindset and professionalism
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong demand across many industries
- • Clear advancement paths into HR management or specialized roles
- • Work is generally indoors with predictable hours
- • Opportunity to improve workplace culture and employee outcomes
- • Transferable skills (compliance, communication, analytics)
Cons
- • Can involve conflict, sensitive issues, and difficult conversations
- • High responsibility for legal compliance and documentation accuracy
- • Busy cycles (recruiting spikes, open enrollment, audits)
- • Work can be repetitive and screen-heavy
- • Pressure to balance employee needs with company policies
FAQ
Common Questions About the Human Resources Specialist Trade
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