What the numbers say
The median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa was $64,920 in 2024, about 8.7% below the national median of $71,137. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Iowa's cost-of-living index sits at 89.9, meaning everyday expenses run roughly 10% lower than the national baseline. Adjust for that, and the $64,920 median translates to purchasing power closer to $72,200 in national-dollar terms. On that basis, Iowa HR Specialists are roughly at parity with the US figure, or slightly ahead.
The spread within the state is wide. The 10th percentile earned $43,740 while the 90th percentile reached $108,720. Top earners in Iowa make about 2.5 times what those starting out make. That range reflects the same pattern we see nationally: HR Specialists' pay varies a lot depending on industry, company size, and how senior the role is. A generalist at a mid-size manufacturer in the Quad Cities sits in a very different pay band than a compensation specialist at a large financial services firm in Des Moines.
The mean annual wage was $71,660, noticeably higher than the median. A smaller group of higher-paid specialists pull the average up. For most workers in this occupation in Iowa, the $64,920 median is the more realistic reference point.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. Iowa had approximately 7,780 HR Specialists employed in 2024. Job volume of that size, combined with faster-than-average projected growth, points to steady demand over the coming decade.
Salary distribution
Where Iowa 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 $51,910 and $83,470, with a median of $64,920.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Iowa
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.
Human Resources Specialists in Iowa, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Manufacturing leads with a median of $64,480.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | The Printer, Inc. | 1 | $64,480 |
| Education | Kirkwood Community College | 1 | $67,175 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Iowa 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.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Human Resources Specialists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesCompare Human Resources Specialists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa is $64,920.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Iowa median is -8.7% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,740 and the 90th-percentile at $108,720, 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.