As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Specialist in Illinois is $75,892 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Human Resources Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Human Resources Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $83,548 | $6,962 | $1,607 | $40 |
| Average | $75,892 | $6,324 | $1,459 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,792 | $5,649 | $1,304 | $33 |
Addison Group - Chicago, IL
Ironside Human Resources - Decatur, IL
Ironside Human Resources - Decatur, IL
Ironside Human Resources - Mattoon, IL
A Human Resources Specialist'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Human Resources Specialist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Specialist | $60,646 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Specialist | $75,330 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Specialist | $92,365 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Specialist | $111,448 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Specialist | $108,519 |
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 Human Resources Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Human Resources Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Human Resources Specialist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Resources Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $94,865 | $46.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,276 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $87,276 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $87,276 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,482 | $40.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Human Resources Specialist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $83,548 | $6,962 | $1,607 | $40 |
| Average | $75,892 | $6,324 | $1,459 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,792 | $5,649 | $1,304 | $33 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Human Resources Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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