Human Resources Specialist salary in Minneapolis, MN
Median pay, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro
$80,330/year
about $38.62 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $63,230 – $102,590
Half of human resources specialists in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area earn more than $80,330 a year and half earn less. That's 6% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #11 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,690 | $24.37 |
| 25th | $63,230 | $30.40 |
| Median (50th) | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| 75th | $102,590 | $49.32 |
| 90th (top earners) | $129,850 | $62.43 |
*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 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $63,230 ($30.40/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $63,230 to $102,590 ($30.40 to $49.32/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $102,590 ($49.32/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, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.