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HR Operations Assistant I Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an HR Operations Assistant I in the United States is $41,949 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,935
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,833 to $46,129
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,086
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence HR Operations Assistant I Salaries

An HR Operations 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 Operations Assistant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an HR Operations 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 Operations Assistant I (0-1 years): $41,949
  • HR Operations Assistant II (1-3 years): $54,947
  • HR Operations Assistant III (3-5 years): $63,707
  • HR Operations Supervisor (5+ years): $83,610
  • HR Operations Senior Supervisor (5+ years): $99,286
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
HR Operations Assistant I0-1 years$41,949
HR Operations Assistant II1-3 years$54,947
HR Operations Assistant III3-5 years$63,707
HR Operations Supervisor5+ years$83,610
HR Operations Senior Supervisor5+ years$99,286
View as Graph

How Do HR Operations Assistant Is 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 Operations Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $46,446.
  • California: $46,270.
  • Massachusetts: $45,653.

Top Paying Cities for HR Operations Assistant I

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: $52,910
  • San Francisco: $52,331
  • Oakland: $51,228

What Skills Can Increase an HR Operations Assistant I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 4.98% 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.
  • Talent Acquisition (Mentioned in 1.93% 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.
  • Employment Law (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): Applying the knowledge of employment law to regulate relationships between employers and employees.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 4.98%
Talent Acquisition 1.93%
Employment Law 1.63%
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 an HR Operations Assistant I's salary.

  • Employee Engagement: Can increase your salary by up to 26%.
  • Employment Law: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Interviewing: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Employee Engagement $52,856
26%
Employment Law $49,080
17%
Interviewing $48,241
15%
Get Latest Data

HR Operations Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

HR Operations Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,959. While startup companies pay approximate $39,727.

HR Operations Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $39,727
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,016
Established 501~5000 $45,348
Enterprise 5000+ $46,959

HR Operations Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For HR Operations Assistant I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, HR Operations Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Operations Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an HR Operations Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$50,339$24.020%
Pharmaceuticals$50,339$24.020%
Aerospace & Defense$48,241$23.015%
Biotechnology$46,144$22.010%
Energy & Utilities$46,144$22.010%

How Education impacts an HR Operations Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR Operations Assistant I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an HR Operations Assistant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $45,070 and $48,421.

HR Operations Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for HR Operations Assistant I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.6%
High School 39.3%
Associates 8.2%
Bachelors 45.9%
Masters 3.3%
Doctorate 1.6%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an HR Operations 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 August 01, 2026
$37,833
Average $41,949/year
$46,129
$3,153
Average $3,496/month
$3,844
$728
Average $807/week
$887
$18
Average $20/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,129 $3,844 $887 $22
Average $41,949 $3,496 $807 $20
25th Percentile $37,833 $3,153 $728 $18

HR Operations Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

HR Operations Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

For an HR Operations Assistant I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the HR Operations Assistant II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $54,947 - a projected growth of 31% over your current level.

Most common benefits for HR Operations Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for HR Operations Assistant I

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

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FAQ about HR Operations Assistant I

1. Where can an HR Operations Assistant I earn the most?

An HR Operations Assistant I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an HR Operations Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an HR Operations Assistant I is $52,910.

2. What is the highest pay for HR Operations Assistant I?

The highest pay for HR Operations Assistant I is $49,935.

3. What is the lowest pay for HR Operations Assistant I?

The lowest pay for HR Operations Assistant I is $34,086.

4. What are the responsibilities of HR Operations Assistant I?

Performs clerical and administrative tasks to support HR operations and projects. Completes routine data entry, report generation, and audit activities to ensure the accuracy of HR records and compliance with regulatory standards. Assists with delivering core HR processes like onboarding, hiring, terminations, and timekeeping. Supports the implementation of benefits, compensation, and performance management programs. May administer other HR systems used for timekeeping, performance, and training. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

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

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

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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