Human Resources Specialists Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $79,330 +8.8% vs national
Median hourly $38.14
10th percentile $48,880
90th percentile $133,710
Employed locally 35,110
National median $72,910

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Human Resources Specialists
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, California, Human Resources Specialists earn a median annual salary of $79,330, with a corresponding median hourly wage of $38.14. This figure is notably higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $72,910, indicating that HR specialists in Los Angeles are compensated more generously compared to their counterparts across the United States. When examining how these earnings compare to local household income, it becomes evident that while a typical HR Specialist earns less than the area's median household income of $93,525, they still maintain a competitive financial standing within the region. This comparison highlights the demand for skilled professionals in human resources within Los Angeles and reflects the city’s relatively higher cost of living.

    For Human Resources Specialists, there is a significant earning gap between entry-level and experienced workers, driven by factors such as years of experience, level of education, and specialized skills. Entry-level HR specialists typically earn around $48,880 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile mark. In contrast, those at the 75th percentile can expect to earn approximately $104,290 per year, while top earners in the 90th percentile may achieve salaries as high as $133,710. This disparity underscores the value of experience and advanced competencies within the field; experienced HR specialists often possess a deeper understanding of employment laws, strategic talent management, and organizational development, which are highly valued by employers. As such, career progression and continuing education in this domain can significantly enhance earning potential over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $48,880
    25th
    $61,760
    50th (median)
    $79,330
    75th
    $104,290
    90th
    $133,710

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Human Resources Specialists salary vs area income 85% Median Human Resources Specialists salary is 15% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Human Resources Specialists make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Human Resources Specialists in Los Angeles, CA is $38.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $64.49 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Human Resources Specialists salaries?

    The median Human Resources Specialists salary in Los Angeles, CA is 8.8% above the national median of $72,910. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Human Resources Specialists in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Human Resources Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $48,880 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,760.