What the numbers say
Nebraska's median for Human Resources Specialists came in at $59,330 in 2024, about 17% below the national median of $71,137. That gap is real, but it narrows considerably once you account for what that money buys locally. Nebraska's cost-of-living index sits at 91, meaning everyday expenses run roughly 9% lower than the national baseline. Adjusted for that, the $59,330 median stretches closer to $65,200 in purchasing terms, which cuts the effective gap with the national figure to around 8%.
The spread between entry-level and senior pay is wide. The 10th percentile starts at $40,940, while the 90th reaches $96,880. Top earners in Nebraska make about 2.4 times what the lowest earners do. That kind of range usually signals that where someone sits in their career, and what sub-specialty they work in, matters more than the state label on their paycheck.
The mean annual wage of $63,770 runs above the median. A smaller group of higher-paid specialists pulls that average up, so the median is the more useful reference point for anyone early or mid-career.
BLS projects employment for Human Resources Specialists to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, a pace it categorizes as faster than average. Nebraska's 8,140 employed specialists place it among mid-sized state markets for this occupation.
Salary distribution
Where Nebraska 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 $46,320 and $76,720, with a median of $59,330.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Nebraska
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Nebraska is $59,330.
- How does Nebraska compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Nebraska median is -16.6% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Nebraska?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $40,940 and the 90th-percentile at $96,880, 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.