What the numbers say
Vermont's median wage for Human Resources Specialists was $76,190 in 2024, about 7% above the US median of $71,137. For a small state with roughly 1,290 specialists employed, that premium is real, though not dramatic.
The spread between the bottom and top of the pay range is wide. The 10th percentile starts at $53,200. By the 90th, wages reach $114,990. That is more than double the entry figure. The gap reflects how much experience, scope of responsibility, and employer size shift compensation in this field. An HR specialist running benefits for a 50-person company and one managing labor relations for a hospital system both show up in that range.
Vermont's cost-of-living index sits at 102, just above the national baseline of 100. The nominal premium over the US median shrinks slightly after adjusting for what the money actually buys, but it does not disappear. Vermont is not as expensive as coastal states where HR specialists also earn above the national median, so the purchasing power here holds up better than in those comparisons.
BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, a rate classified as faster than average. The state's small total employment base means that growth rate translates to a modest number of new positions in absolute terms, but the direction is positive.
Salary distribution
Where Vermont 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 $62,080 and $94,410, with a median of $76,190.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Vermont
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 Vermont 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 Vermont?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Vermont is $76,190.
- How does Vermont compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Vermont median is +7.1% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Vermont?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $53,200 and the 90th-percentile at $114,990, 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.