Human Resources Specialist Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Recruits, screens, and interviews candidates, and manages employee relations and HR programs.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #14 of 530 U.S. metro areas for human resources specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,734 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $59,758 | $46,024 | +$13,734 | +29.8% |
| Level II | $74,360 | $58,303 | +$16,057 | +27.5% |
| Level III (Mid) | $88,962 | $70,581 | +$18,381 | +26.0% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $103,563 | $82,859 | +$20,704 | +25.0% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $73,112 | $150,738 | $125,133 |
| 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 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $55,058 | $105,830 | $89,066 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average human resources specialist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average human resources specialist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $89,107 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #14 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level human resources specialists earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level human resources specialists (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $59,758 per year. Level II (early career) earns $74,360, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for human resources specialist salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #14 of 530 U.S. metro areas for human resources specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $13,734 above the national average. The national average human resources specialist salary is $70,704, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $89,107 — a difference of +26% 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.