Human Resources Specialist salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$76,700/year
about $36.88 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $60,680 – $98,820
Half of human resources specialists in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $76,700 a year and half earn less. That's 1% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #16 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| 25th | $60,680 | $29.17 |
| Median (50th) | $76,700 | $36.88 |
| 75th | $98,820 | $47.51 |
| 90th (top earners) | $126,900 | $61.01 |
*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 Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $60,680 ($29.17/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $60,680 to $98,820 ($29.17 to $47.51/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $98,820 ($47.51/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, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.