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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Assistant II in the United States is $52,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,010
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,000 to $60,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,175

Key Factors That Influence HR Assistant II Salaries

A HR Assistant II'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 II'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

Top Paying Cities for HR Assistant IIs

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: $65,900
  • San Francisco: $65,200
  • Oakland: $63,800

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 5.5% 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 3.54% Job Postings): Establishing and managing all interactions with employees to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Talent Acquisition (Mentioned in 1.47% 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 5.5%
Employee Relations 3.54%
Talent Acquisition 1.47%

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 II's salary.

  • Talent Management: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Talent Acquisition: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Talent Management $60,668
16%
Analysis $57,007
9%
Talent Acquisition $57,007
9%

HR Assistant II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

HR Assistant II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,447. While startup companies pay approximate $49,441.

HR Assistant II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,441
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,288
Established 501~5000 $56,438
Enterprise 5000+ $58,447

HR Assistant II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For HR Assistant II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, HR Assistant positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Assistant II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a HR Assistant II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$67,990$33.030%
Internet$65,375$31.025%
Energy & Utilities$60,145$29.015%
Chemicals$57,530$28.010%
Insurance$57,530$28.010%

How Education impacts a HR Assistant II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR Assistant IIs 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $50,839 and $53,848).

HR Assistant II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for HR Assistant II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 16.6%
Associates 13.2%
Bachelors 58.9%
Masters 10.8%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a HR Assistant II'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
$47,000
Average $52,300/year
$60,000
$3,917
Average $4,358/month
$5,000
$904
Average $1,006/week
$1,154
$23
Average $25/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,000 $5,000 $1,154 $29
Average $52,300 $4,358 $1,006 $25
25th Percentile $47,000 $3,917 $904 $23

HR Assistant II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a HR Assistant II, 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.

HR Assistant II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
HR Assistant III $60,600 16%
Facility Human Resources Manager $111,100 112%
Manager of Regional Human Resources $111,100 112%

Most common benefits for HR Assistant II

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

Common company salaries for HR Assistant II

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

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FAQ about HR Assistant II

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for HR Assistant II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is HR assistant payroll?

Human Resources Payroll Assistants manage personnel records and maintain data for each employee, including address, weekly earnings, absences, and termination details. The salary for this role typically ranges from $49,000 to $59,800, with a mid-point of $54,000, reflecting the importance of accurate payroll management in organizations.

3. Is HR assistant job stressful?

Is an HR assistant job stressful? Like all other jobs, the HR assistant role can be stressful at times, especially during busy periods like recruitment drives or employee evaluations. However, with a salary range of $49,000 to $59,800, good employers typically ensure HR assistants receive adequate downtime and paid time off to help prevent burnout.

4. What is the lowest HR salary?

The lowest salary for an HR Assistant is $49,000. While some sources may report varying figures, the current data indicates that salaries typically range from $49,000 to $59,800, with a midpoint of $54,000. This reflects a more accurate representation of HR Assistant salaries in the market.

5. How much is HR paid in the US?

HR Assistants in the US earn a salary range with a minimum of $49,000, a mid-level salary of $54,000, and a maximum of $59,800. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role, providing a competitive compensation structure for HR professionals.

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

The HR generalist role closely resembles that of an HR assistant, sharing similar tasks and responsibilities. However, the HR assistant typically has less decision-making authority and fewer responsibilities. In terms of compensation, HR assistants earn between $49,000 and $59,800, with a median salary of $54,000, reflecting their supportive role in the HR department.

7. Which is higher, HR assistant or HR associate?

The HR Associate typically performs higher-level tasks compared to the HR Assistant, who focuses on administrative duties. In terms of salary, the HR Assistant earns between $49,000 and $59,800, while the HR Associate usually has a higher salary range, reflecting their increased responsibilities and expertise.

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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