How Much Does a People Specialist make?

People Specialist made a median salary around $73,136 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $80,952 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $66,356. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for People Specialist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the People Specialist profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $78,174
Carpenter, IA $78,174
Chester, IA $78,174
Grafton, IA $78,174
Joice, IA $78,174

Best-Paying States for People Specialist

The states and districts that pay People Specialist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $87,621) , California (around $86,834) , New Jersey (around $86,283) , Alaska (around $85,732) , and Massachusetts (around $85,653) .
District of Columbia $87,621
California $86,834
New Jersey $86,283
Alaska $85,732
Massachusetts $85,653

What is the Career Path of People Specialist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For People Specialist, the first career path typically starts with a Human Resources Generalist III position , and then progresses to SVP of Human Resources.

The second career path typically progresses to International Human Resources Manager.

The third career path typically progresses to Plant Human Resources Manager.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically progresses to Regional Human Resources Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions for People Specialist

Q: What is the salary range of People Specialist in Waterloo, IA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid People Specialist in Waterloo, IA earned an average annual salary of $66,356 , while the highest-paid made $80,952.
Q: What is the salary for a People Specialist in California?
A: People Specialist employed in California earned an average salary of $86,834 in 2025.

Average People Specialist Pay vs. Other Jobs

People Specialist earned an average salary of $73,136 in 2025. Other jobs related to People Specialist earned the following average salary in March, 2025. People Operations Specialist made $61,835 , People And Culture Specialist made $71,035 , People Development and Learning Specialist IV and People Development and Learning Specialist III made $119,360 and $96,090 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of People Specialist

People Operations Specialist - Average Salary $61,835
There is currently no job description for People Operations Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for People Operations Specialist.
People And Culture Specialist - Average Salary $71,035
There is currently no job description for People And Culture Specialist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for People And Culture Specialist.
The People Development and Learning Specialist IV develops training programs, facilitates change management initiatives, and reviews current development programs to ensure linkage to company goals. Implements all aspects of organizational development. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist IV measures employee performance to gauge the success of programs and identify areas for improvement. Builds human capital through employee development programs. In addition, People Development and Learning Specialist IV implements and reports on the effectiveness of leadership development, team development, and organizational communication programs and practices. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a People Development and Learning Specialist IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
The People Development and Learning Specialist III develops training programs, facilitates change management initiatives, and reviews current development programs to ensure linkage to company goals. Implements all aspects of organizational development. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist III measures employee performance to gauge the success of programs and identify areas for improvement. Builds human capital through employee development programs. In addition, People Development and Learning Specialist III implements and reports on the effectiveness of leadership development, team development, and organizational communication programs and practices. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as a People Development and Learning Specialist III typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
The People Development and Learning Specialist I develops training programs, facilitates change management initiatives, and reviews current development programs to ensure linkage to company goals. Implements all aspects of organizational development. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist I measures employee performance to gauge the success of programs and identify areas for improvement. Builds human capital through employee development programs. In addition, People Development and Learning Specialist I implements and reports on the effectiveness of leadership development, team development, and organizational communication programs and practices. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a People Development and Learning Specialist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as a People Development and Learning Specialist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.