What the numbers say
Delaware's median wage for Human Resources Specialists came in at $72,670 in 2024, roughly $1,500 above the national median of $71,137. That gap is narrow. On a national scale, Delaware lands close to the middle of the pack for this occupation.
The spread across earners is wider than the headline suggests. The lowest 10% earned around $48,420, while the top 10% reached $127,150. That is a difference of about $78,700 between the bottom and the top of the range. In practical terms, experience, specialization, and the size of the employer appear to move the needle more here than geography alone.
Delaware's cost of living sits nearly at the national baseline, with a price index of 100.5. That means the small nominal premium over the national median translates almost dollar for dollar into purchasing power. What the money buys here is close to what the same figure buys in a typical US city.
BLS projects employment for HR Specialists to grow at a faster than average rate through 2034, with a projected increase of 6.2% from the 2024 base. That outpaces the average across all occupations. In a state where financial services and healthcare employers account for a significant share of professional hiring, steady demand for HR functions is consistent with that growth picture.
Salary distribution
Where Delaware human resources specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,440 and $93,050, with a median of $72,670.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Delaware
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Delaware over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 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
- 3.9 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Delaware?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Delaware is $72,670.
- How does Delaware compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Delaware median is +2.2% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Delaware?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,420 and the 90th-percentile at $127,150, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Human Resources Specialists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.