As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Recruiter I in the United States is $59,691 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Recruiter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Recruiter 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 Recruiter 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter I | 0-2 years | $59,691 |
| Recruiter II | 2-4 years | $74,828 |
| Recruiter III | 4-7 years | $90,007 |
| Recruiter IV | 7+ years | $114,663 |
| Recruiting Supervisor | 7+ years | $77,172 |
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 Recruiter Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Interviewing | 6.26% |
| Full-Cycle Recruiting | 2.98% |
| HRIS | 1.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$77,598 |
30%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$71,032 |
19%
|
|
ATS
|
$66,854 |
12%
|
|
Consulting
|
$65,660 |
10%
|
|
Applicant Tracking System
|
$64,466 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,466 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Recruiter Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Recruiter I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,233 and $61,988).
Recruiter I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 10.9% |
| Associates | 7.2% |
| Bachelors | 66.1% |
| Masters | 14.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Recruiter 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Recruiter 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Recruiter | $109,890 | 84% |
| Campus Recruiter | $76,414 | 28% |
| Legal Recruiter | $112,635 | 89% |
| Physician Recruiter | $74,828 | 25% |
Salaries for a Recruiter I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $58,608 in 2023 to around $58,143 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Recruiter I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $58,608 |
| 2024 | $58,501 |
| 2025 | $58,143 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Recruiter I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Recruiter 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 Recruiter I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Recruiter I is $75,288.
The highest pay for Recruiter I is $65,783.
The lowest pay for Recruiter I is $47,699.
Attracts, evaluates, and refers candidates for open positions through recruiting website, employee referrals, on-site recruiting, search firms and other sourcing methods. Develops job advertisements and screens resumes/applications. Contacts candidates to ascertain fit, and schedules interviews. Extends offers and negotiates compensation. Initiates onboarding plan for new hires. Ensures assigned positions are filled efficiently and effectively. May facilitate orientation for new employees and perform exit interviews for employees leaving the organization. May require a bachelor's degree in human resources. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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