Human Resources Specialist salary in San Jose, CA
Median pay, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro
$112,140/year
about $53.91 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $85,150 – $153,460
Half of human resources specialists in the San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area earn more than $112,140 a year and half earn less. That's 48% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $66,260 | $31.86 |
| 25th | $85,150 | $40.94 |
| Median (50th) | $112,140 | $53.91 |
| 75th | $153,460 | $73.78 |
| 90th (top earners) | $186,570 | $89.70 |
*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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $85,150 ($40.94/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $85,150 to $153,460 ($40.94 to $73.78/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $153,460 ($73.78/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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.