What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in Missouri was $62,710 in 2024, about 12% below the US median of $71,137. That gap is real, but Missouri's cost of living index sits at 90.6, meaning everyday expenses run roughly 10% below the national average. In purchasing-power terms, the difference between Missouri and the national figure shrinks to a few hundred dollars a year.
The spread across the occupation is wide. The bottom 10% of HR Specialists in Missouri earned $41,080, while the top 10% reached $104,020. That is a range of more than $60,000 within the same job title. Experience, the size of the employer, and whether the role sits inside a generalist or specialist function all move someone along that range. The mean wage of $70,430 runs well above the median, which tells us senior HR professionals pull the average up.
Missouri employs 18,240 HR Specialists, a large base that reflects the state's mix of healthcare systems, financial services firms, and manufacturing operations, each of which runs its own HR function at scale.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, a rate BLS classifies as faster than average. That pace suggests steady demand for new entrants and experienced practitioners alike over the coming decade.
Salary distribution
Where Missouri 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 $49,050 and $81,560, with a median of $62,710.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Missouri
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 Missouri, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Technology and software leads with a median of $50,253.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | ECCLESIASTES, INC. | 1 | $50,253 |
| Transportation and logistics | ITF LLC | 1 | $45,000 |
| Professional services | Barber Management Co., Inc. | 1 | $49,150 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Missouri 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 coursesTop metros in Missouri
Metro-level salary data for human resources specialists in major Missouri metropolitan areas.
- Kansas City$77,880
- St. Louis$65,180
Compare Human Resources Specialists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Missouri?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Missouri is $62,710.
- How does Missouri compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Missouri median is -11.8% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Missouri?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,080 and the 90th-percentile at $104,020, 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.