What the numbers say
The median Human Resources Specialist in West Virginia earned $62,300 in 2024, about 12% below the US median of $71,137. The mean wage was higher at $71,210, which tells us a smaller group of senior or higher-paid specialists pull the average up.
The pay range is wide. The 10th percentile started at $38,420 while the 90th reached $113,730. Top earners made roughly three times what those near the bottom did. That kind of spread usually reflects real differences in experience, industry, and how much HR responsibility a given role carries.
West Virginia's cost of living runs about 12.5% below the national average. After adjusting for that, the state median translates to roughly $71,200 in national purchasing-power terms. That puts in-state pay close to the US median once you account for what the money actually buys.
BLS projects employment for Human Resources Specialists to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, faster than average. West Virginia had about 2,950 people in this role as of 2024, a small base, so even moderate growth should produce a steady stream of openings.
Salary distribution
Where West Virginia 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 $49,160 and $86,940, with a median of $62,300.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in West Virginia
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.
Human Resources Specialists in West Virginia, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Professional services leads with a median of $73,600.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | Steptoe & Johnson PLLC | 1 | $73,600 |
| Media and entertainment | Heritage Farm Foundation | 1 | $41,350 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in West Virginia is $62,300.
- How does West Virginia compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The West Virginia median is -12.4% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in West Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,420 and the 90th-percentile at $113,730, 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.