Human Resources Specialist salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$72,550/year
about $34.88 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,480 – $94,120
Half of human resources specialists in the Houston metro area earn more than $72,550 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #22 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,570 | $22.39 |
| 25th | $57,480 | $27.63 |
| Median (50th) | $72,550 | $34.88 |
| 75th | $94,120 | $45.25 |
| 90th (top earners) | $118,820 | $57.13 |
*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 Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,480 ($27.63/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,480 to $94,120 ($27.63 to $45.25/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $94,120 ($45.25/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, Houston metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.