Human Resources Specialist salary in Los Angeles, CA
Median pay, Los Angeles metro
$80,220/year
about $38.57 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $63,410 – $105,560
Half of human resources specialists in the Los Angeles metro area earn more than $80,220 a year and half earn less. That's 6% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #12 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,730 | $24.87 |
| 25th | $63,410 | $30.49 |
| Median (50th) | $80,220 | $38.57 |
| 75th | $105,560 | $50.75 |
| 90th (top earners) | $134,130 | $64.49 |
*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 Los Angeles metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $63,410 ($30.49/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $63,410 to $105,560 ($30.49 to $50.75/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $105,560 ($50.75/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, Los Angeles metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.