Human Resources Specialist salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$100,830/year
about $48.48 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $76,070 – $131,510
Half of human resources specialists in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $100,830 a year and half earn less. That's 33% higher than the national median of $75,940, and ranks #3 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,940 | $29.30 |
| 25th | $76,070 | $36.57 |
| Median (50th) | $100,830 | $48.48 |
| 75th | $131,510 | $63.23 |
| 90th (top earners) | $158,940 | $76.41 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $76,070 ($36.57/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $76,070 to $131,510 ($36.57 to $63.23/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $131,510 ($63.23/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.