Human Resources Specialist salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$80,950/year
about $38.92 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $64,660 – $104,650
Half of human resources specialists in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $80,950 a year and half earn less. That's 7% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,270 | $24.65 |
| 25th | $64,660 | $31.09 |
| Median (50th) | $80,950 | $38.92 |
| 75th | $104,650 | $50.31 |
| 90th (top earners) | $132,290 | $63.60 |
*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 Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $64,660 ($31.09/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $64,660 to $104,650 ($31.09 to $50.31/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $104,650 ($50.31/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, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.