RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Human Resources Specialists salary in Columbus, Ohio

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Columbus metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$71,420
Mean annual$77,480
Range (10th to 90th)$43,610 to $118,580
Columbus, Ohio employment7,890
State vs national+0.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Columbus human resources specialists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$43,61025TH$53,850MEDIAN$71,42075TH$93,92090TH$118,580

The middle 50% of workers earn between $53,850 and $93,920, with a median of $71,420.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Personnel and Human Resources

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 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

    4.0 / 5
  • Administrative

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.

  2. 02

    Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.

  3. 03

    Administer employee benefit plans.

  4. 04

    Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  5. 05

    Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.

  6. 06

    Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.

  7. 07

    Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.

  8. 08

    Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.

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 courses

Other metros in Ohio

How the Columbus metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for human resources specialists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Columbus, Ohio?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in the Columbus metropolitan area is $71,420.
Does Columbus pay more than the Ohio state average for Human Resources Specialists?
The Columbus metro median is +10.6% versus the Ohio state median of $64,600.
How does Columbus compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
The Columbus metro median is +0.4% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Columbus?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,610 and the 90th-percentile at $118,580 for the Columbus metro area.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Columbus CBSA boundary 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.