Human Resources Specialist salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$92,770/year
about $44.60 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $73,860 – $124,380
Half of human resources specialists in the Seattle metro area earn more than $92,770 a year and half earn less. That's 22% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #4 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $58,610 | $28.18 |
| 25th | $73,860 | $35.51 |
| Median (50th) | $92,770 | $44.60 |
| 75th | $124,380 | $59.80 |
| 90th (top earners) | $153,960 | $74.02 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $73,860 ($35.51/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $73,860 to $124,380 ($35.51 to $59.80/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $124,380 ($59.80/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, Seattle metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.