As of July 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| HR Assistant I | 0-1 years | $43,922 |
| HR Assistant II | 1-3 years | $52,225 |
| HR Assistant III | 3-5 years | $60,489 |
| HR Supervisor | 5+ years | $105,431 |
| HR Manager | 5+ years | $123,228 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 5.57% |
| Employee Relations | 3.72% |
| Talent Acquisition | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employment Law
|
$51,480 |
17%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$50,600 |
15%
|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$49,280 |
12%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$48,840 |
11%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$48,400 |
10%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,400 |
10%
|
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 $49,214. While startup companies pay approximate $41,620.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,620 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $44,020 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,525 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $49,214 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $52,800 | $25.0 | 20% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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% |
Salaries for a HR Assistant I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,106 in 2023 to around $41,863 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of HR Assistant I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $42,106 |
| 2024 | $42,198 |
| 2025 | $41,863 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for HR Assistant I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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