What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in San Diego, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $79,370.

Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Human Resources Specialists?

The San Diego metro median is -3.0% versus the California state median of $81,810.

How does San Diego compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?

The San Diego metro median is +11.6% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.

What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in San Diego?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,800 and the 90th-percentile at $136,810 for the San Diego metro area.

What education is required for Human Resources Specialists?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Human Resources Specialists Salary in San Diego, California

Median annual$79,370

Mean annual$89,070

Range (10th to 90th)$49,800 to $136,810

San Diego, California employment8,960

State vs national+11.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego human resources specialists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $62,660 and $105,640, with a median of $79,370.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
4.0 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
02
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
03
Administer employee benefit plans.
04
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
05
Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
06
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
07
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
08
Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for human resources specialists.

San Jose$114,080
San Francisco$100,600
Sacramento$79,630
Los Angeles$79,330
Riverside$73,390

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in San Diego, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $79,370.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Human Resources Specialists?: The San Diego metro median is -3.0% versus the California state median of $81,810.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?: The San Diego metro median is +11.6% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in San Diego?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,800 and the 90th-percentile at $136,810 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Human Resources Specialists?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.