Human Resources Specialist salary in Boston, MA
Median pay, Boston metro
$90,270/year
about $43.40 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $68,650 – $121,700
Half of human resources specialists in the Boston metro area earn more than $90,270 a year and half earn less. That's 19% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #5 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $58,280 | $28.02 |
| 25th | $68,650 | $33.00 |
| Median (50th) | $90,270 | $43.40 |
| 75th | $121,700 | $58.51 |
| 90th (top earners) | $146,660 | $70.51 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a human resources specialist job in the Boston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $68,650 ($33.00/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $68,650 to $121,700 ($33.00 to $58.51/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $121,700 ($58.51/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- This BLS category includes recruiters, so compare recruiting roles with commission or bonus included.
- HR generalist roles at small companies often cover payroll, benefits and hiring at once. Price the whole job.
- Certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR can support a higher offer.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Boston metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.