Human Resources Specialist Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
Recruits, screens, and interviews candidates, and manages employee relations and HR programs.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ranks #1 of 530 U.S. metro areas for human resources specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $27,088 above the national average.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $73,112 | $46,024 | +$27,088 | +58.9% |
| Level II | $98,987 | $58,303 | +$40,684 | +69.8% |
| Level III (Mid) | $124,862 | $70,581 | +$54,281 | +76.9% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $150,738 | $82,859 | +$67,879 | +81.9% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $67,954 | $134,742 | $112,694 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $56,763 | $108,098 | $91,166 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $56,160 | $106,288 | $89,752 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $59,758 | $103,563 | $89,107 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $55,058 | $105,830 | $89,066 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average human resources specialist salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The average human resources specialist salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is $125,133 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara at rank #1 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level human resources specialists earn in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
Entry-level human resources specialists (Level I) in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara earn $73,112 per year. Level II (early career) earns $98,987, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara compare to the national average for human resources specialist salaries?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ranks #1 of 530 U.S. metro areas for human resources specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $27,088 above the national average. The national average human resources specialist salary is $70,704, while San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara workers average $125,133 — a difference of +77% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1071.