Human Resources Specialist salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$82,550/year
about $39.69 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $63,520 – $105,910
Half of human resources specialists in the Denver metro area earn more than $82,550 a year and half earn less. That's 9% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #7 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $53,130 | $25.54 |
| 25th | $63,520 | $30.54 |
| Median (50th) | $82,550 | $39.69 |
| 75th | $105,910 | $50.92 |
| 90th (top earners) | $135,870 | $65.32 |
*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 Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $63,520 ($30.54/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $63,520 to $105,910 ($30.54 to $50.92/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $105,910 ($50.92/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, Denver metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.