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HR Admin Salary in California

How much does a HR Admin make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Admin in California is $65,251 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $77,178
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,916 to $71,494
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,239
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence HR Admin Salaries

A HR Admin'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.

How Experience Level Affects HR Admin Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a HR Admin'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $64,792
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,487
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $98,695
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $119,051
  • Expert (over 8 years): $115,960
Levels Salary
HR Admin Level HR Admin$64,792
Human Res... Level HR Admin$80,487
Human Res... Level HR Admin$98,695
Human Res... Level HR Admin$119,051
Human Res... Level HR Admin$115,960
View as Graph

How Do HR Admin 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 Admins. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $65,499.
  • California: $65,251.
  • Massachusetts: $64,381.

Top Paying Cities for HR Admins

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:

  • Los Angeles: $65,363
  • West Hollywood: $65,316
  • Dodgertown: $65,363

HR Admin Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For HR Admin roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, HR Admin positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Admin as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a HR Admin

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$97,876$47.050%
Energy & Utilities$78,301$38.020%
Software & Networking$78,301$38.020%
Biotechnology$71,776$35.010%
Financial Services$71,776$35.010%

HR Admin Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a HR Admin'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
$57,916
Average $65,251/year
$71,494
$4,826
Average $5,438/month
$5,958
$1,114
Average $1,255/week
$1,375
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,494 $5,958 $1,375 $34
Average $65,251 $5,438 $1,255 $31
25th Percentile $57,916 $4,826 $1,114 $28

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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