Human Resources Specialist salary in Nashville, TN
Median pay, Nashville metro
$67,380/year
about $32.39 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,070 – $89,040
Half of human resources specialists in the Nashville metro area earn more than $67,380 a year and half earn less. That's 11% lower than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #27 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,380 | $23.26 |
| 25th | $57,070 | $27.44 |
| Median (50th) | $67,380 | $32.39 |
| 75th | $89,040 | $42.81 |
| 90th (top earners) | $113,340 | $54.49 |
*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 Nashville metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,070 ($27.44/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,070 to $89,040 ($27.44 to $42.81/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $89,040 ($42.81/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, Nashville metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.