Human Resources Specialist salary in Pittsburgh, PA
Median pay, Pittsburgh metro
$65,260/year
about $31.38 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $56,230 – $83,800
Half of human resources specialists in the Pittsburgh metro area earn more than $65,260 a year and half earn less. That's 14% lower than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #30 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| 25th | $56,230 | $27.03 |
| Median (50th) | $65,260 | $31.38 |
| 75th | $83,800 | $40.29 |
| 90th (top earners) | $106,810 | $51.35 |
*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 Pittsburgh metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $56,230 ($27.03/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $56,230 to $83,800 ($27.03 to $40.29/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $83,800 ($40.29/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, Pittsburgh metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.