Human Resources Specialist salary in Portland, OR
Median pay, Portland (OR) metro
$80,100/year
about $38.51 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,220 – $102,390
Half of human resources specialists in the Portland (OR) metro area earn more than $80,100 a year and half earn less. That's 5% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $54,780 | $26.34 |
| 25th | $65,220 | $31.36 |
| Median (50th) | $80,100 | $38.51 |
| 75th | $102,390 | $49.23 |
| 90th (top earners) | $133,570 | $64.22 |
*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 Portland (OR) metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,220 ($31.36/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,220 to $102,390 ($31.36 to $49.23/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $102,390 ($49.23/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, Portland (OR) metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.