What the numbers say
The median Human Resources Specialist in Mississippi earned $56,050 in 2024, about 21% below the national median of $71,137. That gap is one of the larger state-level differences we see for this occupation.
The average wage came in higher at $63,130, which tells us a smaller group of senior or specialized HR professionals pull it above the midpoint. The full picture is wider still: the bottom 10% earned around $35,320, while the top 10% reached $103,390. Top earners made roughly three times what entry-level peers did, a spread that reflects how differently this role plays out across industries and seniority levels.
Mississippi's cost of living runs about 12% below the national average, based on BEA regional price data. After accounting for that, the effective purchasing power of the state median lands closer to $64,000 in national-baseline dollars. That closes most of the headline gap. A dollar goes further here than the nominal figures suggest.
On the employment side, BLS projects the occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, a pace it classifies as faster than average. That outlook applies nationally, and the state-level picture in a smaller market like Mississippi tends to track it with some lag.
Salary distribution
Where Mississippi 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 $41,950 and $78,090, with a median of $56,050.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Mississippi
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Mississippi is $56,050.
- How does Mississippi compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Mississippi median is -21.2% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Mississippi?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,320 and the 90th-percentile at $103,390, 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.