Human Resources Specialist salary in St. Louis, MO
Median pay, St. Louis metro
$71,670/year
about $34.46 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $54,770 – $93,950
Half of human resources specialists in the St. Louis metro area earn more than $71,670 a year and half earn less. That's 6% lower than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #23 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,230 | $22.71 |
| 25th | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| Median (50th) | $71,670 | $34.46 |
| 75th | $93,950 | $45.17 |
| 90th (top earners) | $116,290 | $55.91 |
*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 St. Louis metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $54,770 ($26.33/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $54,770 to $93,950 ($26.33 to $45.17/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $93,950 ($45.17/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, St. Louis metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.