Human Resources Specialists
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers within organizations. They handle multiple HR functions across private companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and other employers. The role involves managing the hiring process, evaluating candidates, and supporting workforce development.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against human resources specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes reviewing job applications, conducting phone or in-person interviews with candidates, coordinating with hiring managers about open positions, and maintaining hiring records. Specialists might attend job fairs, screen resumes for qualifications, schedule interviews, conduct background checks, and help finalize job offers. Administrative tasks include updating candidate databases and preparing hiring reports.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this role if you enjoy organizing systems and processes while also engaging with different people and business problems. You tend to prefer structured work environments with clear procedures, combined with an interest in influencing how organizations operate and grow.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Principal Specialist HR Employee Partner · RTX Corporation · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $143,683–$143,683
- Human Resources Specialist · Air Force Global Strike Command · Minot AFB, North Dakota · $25.26–$28
- Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement) · Defense Logistics Agency · Whitehall, Ohio · $52654–$101309
- HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (CLASSIFICATION) · Air Force Personnel Center · Randolph AFB, Texas · $90823–$118072
- HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (MILITARY) · Air Force Global Strike Command · Barksdale AFB, Louisiana · $61722–$80243
- HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (EMPL REL/LABOR REL) · Defense Commissary Agency · Fort Lee, Virginia · $64475–$121551
- HR SPECIALIST (MILITARY) (TITLE 32) · Army National Guard Units · Joplin, Missouri · $61722–$80243
- Lead Human Resources Specialist · National Nuclear Security Administration · Multiple Locations · $90925–$139684
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $82,270 | $110,970 | $148,700 | 6,910 |
| Massachusetts | $67,050 | $85,630 | $115,060 | 27,300 |
| Washington | $69,200 | $84,550 | $110,550 | 22,770 |
| New York | $65,260 | $84,380 | $118,380 | 54,610 |
| Maryland | $64,760 | $83,910 | $111,530 | 15,530 |
| California | $66,060 | $83,500 | $117,430 | 104,000 |
| Connecticut | $63,480 | $82,890 | $107,280 | 9,010 |
| Virginia | $62,070 | $82,090 | $108,970 | 28,540 |
| Colorado | $62,400 | $80,840 | $104,750 | 19,450 |
| New Jersey | $65,890 | $80,690 | $103,160 | 21,690 |
| Minnesota | $61,860 | $78,760 | $100,930 | 17,240 |
| Oregon | $62,820 | $78,060 | $99,860 | 10,620 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Outsourcing Specialist: Human Resources (COS) — International Association of Outsourcing Professionals
- Certified Resume Specialist: Training and Human Resources (CRS+HR) — Career Directors International
- Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRi) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Certified Human Resource Analyst (CHRA) — American Academy of Project Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against human resources specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.