Human Resources Specialist salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$78,210/year
about $37.60 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $61,470 – $100,550
Half of human resources specialists in the Chicago metro area earn more than $78,210 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,580 | $23.84 |
| 25th | $61,470 | $29.55 |
| Median (50th) | $78,210 | $37.60 |
| 75th | $100,550 | $48.34 |
| 90th (top earners) | $125,220 | $60.20 |
*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 Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $61,470 ($29.55/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $61,470 to $100,550 ($29.55 to $48.34/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $100,550 ($48.34/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, Chicago metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.