Occupation
Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist focuses on specific HR functions such as onboarding, employee relations, recruiting, or compliance, often serving as the go-to person for a particular area of the employee lifecycle. They use HRIS platforms to manage records and processes, ensuring company policies align with employment regulations. This role sits within a broader HR team and suits professionals who want deeper expertise in one HR discipline rather than a fully generalist path.
How much does a Human Resources Specialist make?
Employers posting Human Resources Specialist roles list a median of $93,000 a year (middle half $74,000–$123,000), from 51 postings that state pay.
86% of open Human Resources Specialist roles publish a range. Only some employers state pay, and the ones that do skew to California and New York, where the law requires it. Which states’ postings state pay
Who is hiring for Human Resources Specialist roles?
59 open Human Resources Specialist roles from 43 employers; the most at Offices, Boards and Divisions, Department of Justice, Air National Guard Units and Army National Guard Units, and in Washington, D.C., Texas and Virginia.
From employers’ own postings, as of.
Human Resources Specialist in the job market
Last checked October 28, 2026
- Open roles
- 59
- Employers
- 43
- Median pay
- $93,000
- Disclose pay
- 86%
on Career App right now
hiring for it
from 51 roles
of these roles
Career ladder
Often comes from
Similar roles
Open Human Resources Specialist roles (59)
Operations Support Specialist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Rockville, IN · $50,460 – $80,243
This is a federal operations support role focused on human resources administration, including personnel coordination, training management, and employee benefits support within a military operations division. It suits candidates with experience in HR processes, federal systems, and administrative coordination who want to advance in government service.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
HR SPECIALIST (MILITARY)
Air National Guard Units
Full-time · Kingsley Field, Oregon · $61,722 – $80,243
This GS-9 position manages a small human resources team within an Air Force National Guard wing, handling personnel administration, policy compliance, and specialized functions like deployment readiness and travel management. It suits experienced HR professionals seeking a federal role with supervisory responsibilities in a military context.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Lead Human Resources Specialist - CCU
Veterans Health Administration
Full-time · Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Washington, District of Columbia; Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; New York, New York; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas · $106,437 – $138,370
This role leads a team of HR classification specialists within the VA health system, overseeing their work on position classification, compliance with federal regulations, and coordination with facility management. It suits experienced federal HR professionals who have managed teams and understand government classification standards.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Specialist (ER/LR)
Offices, Boards and Divisions, Department of Justice
Washington, District of Columbia; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; New York, New York; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas · $102,415 – $158,322
A federal HR specialist advising management on employee relations, labor relations, and disciplinary matters, including crafting legally compliant action notices and representing the agency in grievance and appeal proceedings. Suited for HR professionals with deep knowledge of federal employment law and experience navigating union agreements and dispute resolution.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
HR ASST (MIL)
Army National Guard Units
Full-time · Camp Dodge Military Reservation, Iowa · $50,869 – $66,132
This is a civilian HR specialist role supporting the Iowa Army National Guard, focused on reviewing military personnel actions, casualty assistance, and funeral honors coordination. The position suits someone with military HR or administrative background who can handle sensitive cases affecting service members' careers and benefits.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Human Resource Specialist (Employee Benefits)
US Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
Fayetteville, NC · $89,508 – $128,350
This is a senior federal benefits specialist role within the Army, advising military and civilian personnel on retirement plans, disability coverage, and health insurance entitlements under OPM and DoD regulations. The position suits experienced HR professionals with deep knowledge of federal benefits systems and the ability to handle complex, legally sensitive cases.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Specialist
Smithsonian Institution
Cambridge, MA · $101,375 – $131,790
This federal human resources role manages recruitment, employee relations, position classification, and visa processing for the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. It suits experienced HR professionals comfortable advising managers on complex staffing decisions and regulatory compliance.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
Department of the Air Force Headquarters
Full-time · Tinker AFB, Oklahoma · $89,508 – $138,370
This Air Force role offers fast-track hiring through Direct Hire Authority for someone to provide expert advisory services on federal HR policy, regulations, and program evaluation. The position suits experienced HR professionals comfortable navigating complex compliance issues and advising senior leadership on personnel management strategy.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
HR SPEC (CLASSIFICATION)
U.S. Army Medical Command
Houston, TX · $108,001 – $140,403
An HR specialist who advises Army Medical Command leadership on position classification, job evaluation, and organizational structure matters. This role suits someone with federal HR experience who enjoys solving complex staffing and compensation issues through policy analysis and stakeholder consultation.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment & Placement/Executive Resources)
Food and Drug Administration
Full-time · Bethesda, MD · $121,785 – $169,583
This federal HR role focuses on recruiting and placing staff across a large organization, with particular emphasis on executive-level placements and supporting senior leadership through complex HR advisory work. The position requires substantial experience in staffing strategy, HR compliance, and compensation administration.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Likely next role (63)
Where Human Resources Specialists commonly go next: Compensation Analyst, HR Manager, Human Resources Manager, Talent Management Specialist.
HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Naval Air Systems Command
San Diego, CA · $143,677 – $186,785
This federal HR leadership role oversees human capital management for a Naval Air Systems Command facility, directing recruitment, workforce restructuring, labor relations, and strategic initiatives across the organization. It suits experienced HR professionals seeking to advance into senior management within the defense sector with responsibility for large teams and enterprise-wide human resources strategy.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Supervisory Cybersecurity Workforce Specialist
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
Springfield, VA · $169,279 – $197,200
This is a federal supervisory role leading DHS's cybersecurity talent management efforts, where you'd oversee human resources policies, performance management systems, and career development frameworks while collaborating across government agencies on workforce challenges. The position suits experienced HR leaders with deep expertise in talent management, federal compliance, and organizational change who want to shape national-scale cybersecurity workforce strategy.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Chief, Human Resources Policy, Quality, & Compliance)
Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Washington, DC · $125,776 – $163,514
This role leads the HR policy, quality, and compliance functions for a federal corrections agency, overseeing audits, policy development, and regulatory compliance across the entire bureau. It suits someone with extensive experience in federal HR policy, compliance management, and the ability to translate audit findings into actionable guidance for national implementation.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Supervisory Human Resources Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, DC · $169,279 – $197,200
This is a supervisory HR role at FEMA focused on leading employee services programs including retirement, benefits, and employee relations. The position suits experienced HR professionals who can provide strategic guidance to senior leadership and manage complex federal workforce issues across multiple program areas.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
HR Policy Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)
Office of Human Resources Management
Full-time · San Francisco, CA · $127,829 – $197,200
This role supports the General Services Administration's national recruitment and staffing program, advising agency leadership on complex human resources policy matters and developing guidance that affects federal hiring across multiple regions. It suits someone with deep expertise in federal recruitment regulations and the ability to research sensitive staffing issues, communicate findings to senior officials, and drive improvements to how government agencies hire.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Military)
Defense Logistics Agency
Fort Belvoir, VA · $169,279 – $197,200
This federal role leads a military HR division within the Defense Logistics Agency, overseeing personnel management, civilian and military manpower programs, and operational readiness support. It suits experienced HR leaders with a background in military or government workforce management who can direct strategic initiatives and guide senior staff across enterprise functions.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
Fort Worth, TX · $115,711 – $150,426
This is a management role overseeing the human resources operations for an Air Force installation, responsible for personnel administration, policy implementation, and supervision of HR staff across both appropriated and non-appropriated fund divisions. It suits experienced HR professionals with deep knowledge of federal personnel regulations and the ability to lead and manage a multi-faceted HR operation.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Chief, Staffing (Recruitment and Placement)
Office of Chief of Space Operations
Los Angeles, CA · $99,218 – $153,382
This federal human resources leadership role oversees recruitment, hiring, and placement for a major Air Force command, requiring expertise in federal staffing regulations and the ability to develop strategic staffing approaches for a large organization. The position suits experienced HR professionals comfortable navigating complex government hiring processes and managing compliance-heavy personnel functions.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Officer
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs
Full-time · Washington, District of Columbia; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; New Orleans, Louisiana; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; New York, New York; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas · $169,279 – $197,200
This is a strategic HR leadership role within the federal government, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, personnel security, and performance management across a large technology office. The position suits experienced HR professionals seeking to apply operational expertise in a complex organizational environment with federal compliance requirements.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT (MILITARY)
Pacific Air Forces
Fort Richardson, Alaska · $63,186 – $82,139
This role supervises a military personnel management team within an Army installation, handling promotions, reassignments, awards, and personnel records while ensuring compliance with military regulations. It suits someone with prior experience in military personnel administration and supervisory responsibilities seeking a government career at the GS-08 level.
Via USAJOBS · Apply there ↗
Roles similar to Human Resources Specialist (86)
From Benefits Analyst, Compensation Analyst, HR Recruiter, HRIS Specialist, Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources Business Partner, Human Resources Consultant, Human Resources Generalist, Labor Relations Specialist, Learning and Development Specialist, Recruiter, Talent Management Specialist.
Human Resources Generalist
Maui Jim
Peoria, Il
Listed on Maui Jim’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Benefits Analyst
Carter's
Atlanta, GA
Listed on Carter's’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Generalist
NVIDIA
Listed on NVIDIA’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Consultant
Varian Medical Systems
YWG BW
Listed on Varian Medical Systems’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Generalist
Smithfield Foods
Clinton, NC
Listed on Smithfield Foods’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Business Partner
Stoke Space
Kent, WA
Listed on Stoke Space’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Human Resources Business Partner
Jabil
Uzhhorod
Listed on Jabil’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Contract Recruiter
Fruit of the Loom
Contract · Nashville, TN
This contract role focuses on rapidly sourcing and screening candidates for high-priority openings while maintaining relationships with hiring managers and preserving candidate experience. It suits experienced recruiters who thrive managing multiple searches at once and can balance speed with the discipline of accurate record-keeping and fair selection practices.
Listed on Fruit of the Loom’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Recruiter
J.Crew
New York, NY
Listed on J.Crew’s careers site · Apply there ↗
Compensation Analyst
Hims and Hers
US Remote · $100,000 – $130,000
Listed on Hims and Hers’s careers site · Apply there ↗
What employers state they pay
Median
$93,000
Middle half
$74,000 – $123,000
From 51 of 59 open roles — the 86% that publish a range, annualized to USD. Only some employers state pay, and the ones that do skew to California and New York, where the law requires it.
Who employers are hiring
- Entry26%
- Mid39%
- Senior30%
- Lead / Staff / Principal2%
- Management2%
From 46 roles whose posting states a level.
Skills Human Resources Specialist postings ask for
Measured from the 59 open roles, not from a curated list.
- Data Analysis5 roles8.5%
- Microsoft Excel5 roles8.5%
- Microsoft Outlook4 roles6.8%
- Microsoft Word4 roles6.8%
- Workday4 roles6.8%
- Workforce Planning4 roles6.8%
- Employee Relations3 roles5.1%
- Microsoft Office3 roles5.1%
- Microsoft PowerPoint3 roles5.1%
- PowerPoint3 roles5.1%
Where Human Resources Specialist roles are
Among the 41 of 59 open roles we could place on a map.
Employers hiring Human Resources Specialists
43 in total, most open roles first.
- OJ
- AUAir National Guard Units3 roles
- AUArmy National Guard Units3 roles
- UCU.S. Army Medical Command3 roles
- ACAir Force Personnel Center2 roles
- DH
- DH
- SSAP2 roles