Human Resources Specialist salary in New York, NY
Median pay, New York metro
$89,780/year
about $43.16 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $70,210 – $124,130
Half of human resources specialists in the New York metro area earn more than $89,780 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $58,140 | $27.95 |
| 25th | $70,210 | $33.75 |
| Median (50th) | $89,780 | $43.16 |
| 75th | $124,130 | $59.68 |
| 90th (top earners) | $155,480 | $74.75 |
*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 New York metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $70,210 ($33.75/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $70,210 to $124,130 ($33.75 to $59.68/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $124,130 ($59.68/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, New York metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.