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HR Assistant I Salary in the United States

How much does a HR Assistant I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Assistant I in the United States is $44,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a HR Assistant I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,979
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,300 to $48,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,931
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence HR Assistant I Salaries

A HR Assistant I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects HR Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a HR Assistant I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • HR Assistant I (0-1 years): $43,925
  • HR Assistant II (1-3 years): $52,237
  • HR Assistant III (3-5 years): $60,503
  • HR Supervisor (5+ years): $105,448
  • HR Manager (5+ years): $123,252
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
HR Assistant I0-1 years$43,925
HR Assistant II1-3 years$52,237
HR Assistant III3-5 years$60,503
HR Supervisor5+ years$105,448
HR Manager5+ years$123,252
View as Graph

How Do HR Assistant I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract HR Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,700.
  • California: $48,500.
  • Massachusetts: $47,900.

Top Paying Cities for HR Assistant Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $55,500
  • San Francisco: $54,800
  • Oakland: $53,700

What Skills Can Increase a HR Assistant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.57% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Employee Relations (Mentioned in 3.72% Job Postings): Establishing and managing all interactions with employees to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Talent Acquisition (Mentioned in 1.6% Job Postings): Talent acquisition is the process of identifying organizational staffing needs, recruiting qualified candidates and selecting the candidates best suited for the available positions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 5.57%
Employee Relations 3.72%
Talent Acquisition 1.6%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a HR Assistant I's salary.

  • Employment Law: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Business Administration: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Employee Engagement: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Employment Law $51,480
17%
Business Administration $50,600
15%
Employee Engagement $49,280
12%
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HR Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

HR Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,172. While startup companies pay approximate $41,594.

HR Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,594
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,990
Established 501~5000 $47,482
Enterprise 5000+ $49,172

HR Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For HR Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, HR Assistant positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a HR Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$52,800$25.020%

How Education impacts a HR Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR Assistant Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a HR Assistant I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $43,716 and $46,569).

HR Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for HR Assistant I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 18.0%
Associates 12.1%
Bachelors 58.9%
Masters 9.8%
Doctorate 0.2%
View as Graph

HR Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a HR Assistant I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$40,300
Average $44,000/year
$48,700
$3,358
Average $3,667/month
$4,058
$775
Average $846/week
$937
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,700 $4,058 $937 $23
Average $44,000 $3,667 $846 $21
25th Percentile $40,300 $3,358 $775 $19

HR Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

HR Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a HR Assistant I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
HR Assistant II $52,300 19%
Facility Human Resources Manager $111,100 152%
Manager of Regional Human Resources $111,100 152%

Most common benefits for HR Assistant I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for HR Assistant I

Here are companies hiring for HR Assistant I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about HR Assistant I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for HR Assistant I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for HR Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do HR assistants make in the US?

HR Assistants in the US typically earn between $42,900 and $53,200 annually. The average salary is approximately $47,700, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the expected compensation for HR Assistants based on current salary data.

3. Do I need a degree to be an HR assistant?

While a degree is not mandatory to become an HR Assistant, many employers favor candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in human resources or business. Essential skills include organization, computer proficiency, mathematics, and customer service. The salary for HR Assistants typically ranges from $42,900 to $53,200, with a median salary of $47,700.

4. What does HR do all day?

The HR (Human Resources) department manages the employee life cycle, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and terminating employees, while also administering employee benefits. HR Assistants typically earn between $42,900 and $53,200, with a mid-salary of $47,700, reflecting their vital role in supporting these functions.

5. Do you need a degree to work in HR?

A degree is often preferred for HR roles, as most professionals hold a four-year degree. However, there are opportunities for those with relevant experience or certifications. HR Assistants typically earn between $42,900 and $53,200, with a median salary of $47,700, reflecting the diverse educational backgrounds in the field.

6. What is the difference between HR staff and HR assistant?

The HR generalist role closely resembles that of an HR assistant, sharing similar responsibilities and tasks. However, the HR assistant typically has less decision-making authority and fewer responsibilities. In terms of compensation, HR assistants earn between $42,900 and $53,200, with a median salary of $47,700.

7. How much do HR assistants make in the US?

HR Assistants in the US typically earn between $42,900 and $53,200 annually. The average salary is around $47,700. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role, with top earners making up to $55,500.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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