Human Resources Specialist salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$81,300/year
about $39.09 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,710 – $107,800
Half of human resources specialists in the San Diego metro area earn more than $81,300 a year and half earn less. That's 7% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #9 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,780 | $24.89 |
| 25th | $65,710 | $31.59 |
| Median (50th) | $81,300 | $39.09 |
| 75th | $107,800 | $51.83 |
| 90th (top earners) | $140,130 | $67.37 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,710 ($31.59/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,710 to $107,800 ($31.59 to $51.83/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $107,800 ($51.83/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, San Diego metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.