What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in Wisconsin was $66,370 in 2024, about 7% below the US median of $71,137. That gap is real but not dramatic. Wisconsin's cost of living runs roughly 7% below the national baseline, so what the paycheck actually buys lands close to the national figure.
The spread between entry-level and senior pay is wide. The bottom 10% earned around $46,110, while the top 10% reached $103,710. That range reflects how differently employers value HR experience. A generalist handling onboarding at a mid-size manufacturer earns something very different from a senior specialist managing labor relations at a large health system or university. Wisconsin has a meaningful concentration of both.
The mean wage of $72,060 runs above the median. A smaller group of higher-paid specialists pulls the average up, so the median is the better reference point for most people early in the field.
BLS projects employment for Human Resources Specialists to grow 6.2% nationally between 2024 and 2034, a pace BLS classifies as faster than average. Wisconsin's 17,630 employed in this role suggests a mature local market rather than a thin one, which typically means more consistent hiring rather than boom-and-bust demand tied to a single industry.
Salary distribution
Where Wisconsin 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 $54,470 and $83,130, with a median of $66,370.
Human Resources Specialists pay by experience level in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Healthcare leads with a median of $77,115.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | RISE Wisconsin, Inc. | 2 | $77,115 |
| Manufacturing | Nirav Indian Groceries and spices Inc. | 1 | $47,299 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin metropolitan areas.
- Milwaukee$67,180
Compare Human Resources Specialists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Wisconsin?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Wisconsin is $66,370.
- How does Wisconsin compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Wisconsin median is -6.7% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Wisconsin?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $46,110 and the 90th-percentile at $103,710, 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.