Human Resources Specialist Salary in California
Human Resources Specialists in California earn an average of $78,612 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$78,612
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.79
per hour
vs National
+16.2%
$67,650 national
Salary Range
$51,219
to $113,692
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$78,612
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$55,361
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Human Resources Specialist's salary of $78,612 has the purchasing power of $55,361 in an average-cost area.
Human Resources Specialist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $91,673 | $44.07/hr | $61,727 | $127,640 | 1,084 |
| San Jose, CA | $90,992 | $43.75/hr | $58,176 | $136,100 | 775 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $77,929 | $37.47/hr | $50,026 | $116,197 | 1,101 |
| Sacramento, CA | $72,362 | $34.79/hr | $45,635 | $102,363 | 725 |
| San Diego, CA | $72,334 | $34.78/hr | $47,365 | $101,024 | 654 |
| Riverside, CA | $66,383 | $31.91/hr | $44,385 | $98,825 | 674 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Human Resources Specialist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 5,013 Human Resources Specialists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Human Resources Specialist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$51,219
Starting salary for new Human Resources Specialists
Median (50th Percentile)
$78,612
Mid-career Human Resources Specialist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$113,692
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Financial Analyst
$116,115
avg in CA
+$37,503 vs Human Resources Specialist
Personal Financial Advisor
$115,314
avg in CA
+$36,702 vs Human Resources Specialist
Management Analyst
$114,276
avg in CA
+$35,664 vs Human Resources Specialist
Accountant
$93,653
avg in CA
+$15,041 vs Human Resources Specialist
Market Research Analyst
$87,049
avg in CA
+$8,437 vs Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Human Resources Specialist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Human Resources Specialist Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Human Resources Specialist salary in California?
The average Human Resources Specialist salary in California is $78,612 per year ($37.79/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.2% above the national average of $67,650.
What is the highest paying city for Human Resources Specialists in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Human Resources Specialists in California, with a median salary of $91,673 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $66,383.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in California?
Human Resources Specialist salaries in California range from $51,219 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $113,692 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $78,612 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.