How to become human resources specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$75,940

25th–75th pct. $58,610–$99,380

Top pay (est.)

$167,300

Top 10% $128,720

Pay in 5 years

$87,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$100,000est.

$86,000–$116,100

Outlook score

59/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

61%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.4%

74K openings / yr

How to become human resources specialists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Human Resources Specialists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Writing

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Speaking

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

Monitoring

3.8

Coordination

3.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources

5.7

Administrative

5.3

Education and Training

4.0

Administration and Management

3.9

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

English Language

3.6

Law and Government

3.0

Computers and Electronics

2.8

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesScheduling Work and Activities

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

47%

High school diploma

14%

Associate's degree

Some college

Post-bachelor's certificate

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

None / short demo

32%

1–2 years

20%

1–3 months

14%

2–4 years

10%

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

51%

1–2 years

30%

2–4 years

6–8 years

3–6 months

6–12 months

None

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as human resources specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
5	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%
6	Computer and Information Systems Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.	$175,140	68/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.