What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in Maine was $64,420 in 2024, about 9.4% below the national median of $71,137. The average was $69,970, which sits above the median. A smaller group of senior specialists pulls that figure up.
The pay range is wide. Entry-level roles at the 10th percentile came in at $43,530. At the 90th percentile, experienced specialists earned $102,520. That gap tells us experience and the kinds of employers that hire here both matter a lot to where someone lands.
Maine's cost of living index sits at 99.1, nearly identical to the national baseline. That means the 9.4% nominal gap is close to the real gap too. What the money buys in Maine tracks closely with what it buys in most other states, so the lower headline wage is not offset by cheaper housing or lower everyday costs.
BLS projects employment for Human Resources Specialists to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. With about 3,080 specialists employed in Maine in 2024, the state's workforce in this occupation is relatively small. Faster-than-average growth in a smaller base still means fewer total openings than a larger state would produce, so competition for roles may stay steady even as demand increases.
Salary distribution
Where Maine 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 $48,910 and $83,550, with a median of $64,420.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Maine
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 Maine 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 Maine?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Maine is $64,420.
- How does Maine compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Maine median is -9.4% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Maine?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,530 and the 90th-percentile at $102,520, 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.