What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island was $70,060 in 2024, sitting just under the national median of $71,137. The gap is less than $1,100, which makes Rhode Island close to a wash compared to the US as a whole.
The spread across the field is wider than that comparison suggests. The 10th percentile came in at $46,670, while the 90th reached $116,620. Top earners made roughly 2.5 times what those starting out did. That kind of range usually shows up in occupations where experience, certification, and the size of the employer all push pay in different directions.
Rhode Island's cost-of-living index sits at 100, right at the national baseline. That means the nominal wage and the real wage are about the same thing here. A $70,060 median in Rhode Island buys roughly what a $70,060 median buys on average across the country. There is no hidden discount or premium once you factor in what things cost.
BLS projects employment for Human Resources Specialists to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, which falls into the faster-than-average category. We see that trend holding across most states, not just Rhode Island.
Salary distribution
Where Rhode Island 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 $57,410 and $93,090, with a median of $70,060.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island 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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Metro-level salary data for human resources specialists in major Rhode Island metropolitan areas.
- Providence$71,110
Compare Human Resources Specialists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island is $70,060.
- How does Rhode Island compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Rhode Island median is -1.5% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Rhode Island?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,670 and the 90th-percentile at $116,620, 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.