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Human Resources Assistant I Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Assistant I in the United States is $43,923 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,860
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,225 to $48,601
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,858
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Human Resources Assistant I Salaries

A Human Resources 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 Human Resources Assistant I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Human Resources 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:

  • Human Resources Assistant I (0-1 years): $43,923
  • Human Resources Assistant II (1-3 years): $52,231
  • Human Resources Assistant III (3-5 years): $60,496
  • Human Resources Supervisor (5+ years): $105,439
  • Human Resources Manager (5+ years): $123,240
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Human Resources Assistant I0-1 years$43,923
Human Resources Assistant II1-3 years$52,231
Human Resources Assistant III3-5 years$60,496
Human Resources Supervisor5+ years$105,439
Human Resources Manager5+ years$123,240
View as Graph

How Do Human Resources 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 Human Resources Assistant Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,632.
  • California: $48,447.
  • Massachusetts: $47,801.

Top Paying Cities for Human Resources 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: $55,400
  • San Francisco: $54,794
  • Oakland: $53,639

What Skills Can Increase a Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 $51,390
17%
Business Administration $50,511
15%
Employee Engagement $49,194
12%
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Human Resources Assistant I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Human Resources Assistant I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,169. While startup companies pay approximate $41,596.

Human Resources Assistant I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,596
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,993
Established 501~5000 $47,482
Enterprise 5000+ $49,169

Human Resources Assistant I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Human Resources 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, Human Resources Assistant positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Resources Assistant I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Human Resources Assistant I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$52,708$25.020%

How Education impacts an Human Resources Assistant I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources 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 Human Resources Assistant I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $45,263 and $48,058.

Human Resources Assistant I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Human Resources 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

Human Resources Assistant I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Human Resources 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
$40,225
Average $43,923/year
$48,601
$3,352
Average $3,660/month
$4,050
$774
Average $845/week
$935
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,601 $4,050 $935 $23
Average $43,923 $3,660 $845 $21
25th Percentile $40,225 $3,352 $774 $19

Human Resources Assistant I Salary Growth & Career Path

Human Resources Assistant I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Human Resources 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
Human Resources Assistant II $52,231 19%
Plant Human Resources Manager $111,045 153%
Regional Human Resources Manager $111,045 153%

Most common benefits for Human Resources Assistant I

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

Common company salaries for Human Resources Assistant I

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

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FAQ about Human Resources Assistant I

1. Where can a Human Resources Assistant I earn the most?

A Human Resources 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, a Human Resources Assistant I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Human Resources Assistant I is $55,400.

2. What is the highest pay for Human Resources Assistant I?

The highest pay for Human Resources Assistant I is $52,860.

3. What is the lowest pay for Human Resources Assistant I?

The lowest pay for Human Resources Assistant I is $36,858.

4. What are the responsibilities of Human Resources Assistant I?

Provides administrative support to one or more human resources functions, including recruiting, employee/labor relations, compensation, benefits, training, equal employment opportunity, and/or employee records. Processes HR department applications, including employment and enrollment applications; maintains attendance and employment records, and compiles statistics for various HR management reports. May conduct pre-employment screening interviews, check references and respond to routine questions on HR policy. Typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Typically reports to supervisor or manager. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Human Resources Assistant I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Resources 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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