What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in North Dakota was $69,740 in 2024, about 2% below the US median of $71,137. That gap is narrow. For most practical purposes, North Dakota HR Specialists earn close to the national figure.
The spread tells a more interesting story. At the 10th percentile, wages start at $47,520. By the 90th percentile they reach $122,410. Top earners make roughly 2.6 times what bottom earners make, a wide range that reflects how differently this role is structured across industries and organizations. An entry-level HR coordinator at a small employer lands in a very different place than a senior HR business partner at a large energy or healthcare operation.
Cost of living shifts the picture further in North Dakota's favor. The state's overall cost-of-living index sits at 91.9, meaning prices run about 8% below the national baseline. Adjusted for that, the $69,740 median buys closer to $75,900 in national-baseline dollars. That puts North Dakota HR Specialists comfortably above the purchasing equivalent of the US median.
BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. With 1,870 HR Specialists currently employed across the state, that growth rate is modest in absolute numbers, but the direction is consistent with what we see nationally for the occupation.
Salary distribution
Where North Dakota 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 $57,050 and $85,650, with a median of $69,740.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in North Dakota
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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in North Dakota is $69,740.
- How does North Dakota compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The North Dakota median is -2.0% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in North Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,520 and the 90th-percentile at $122,410, 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.