Skip to content
AffordMap
Business & Finance · Illinois

How to Become a Human Resources Specialists in Illinois

Human Resources Specialists in Illinois earn a median salary of $76,820/year, which is 1% above the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a human resources specialists takes home approximately $3,522/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$77K
Median salary in Illinois
+1%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
35,430
Employed in Illinois

What a human resources specialists can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$76,820
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$4,886/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,364/mo
Rent as % of take-home27.9% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$76,820/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,522/mo

Becoming a human resources specialists in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Human Resources Specialists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many human resources specialists positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for human resources specialistss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 35,430 human resources specialists. The highest concentrations are in Springfield and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Human Resources Specialists salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Springfield$79K$37.9/hr950
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$78K$37.6/hr26,470
Bloomington$74K$35.68/hr510
Peoria$74K$35.59/hr890
Champaign-Urbana$67K$32.39/hr540
Rockford$65K$31.49/hr650
Kankakee$64K$30.63/hr160
Decatur$64K$30.63/hr140

Human Resources Specialists salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$49K
25th percentile
$61K
Median (50th)
$77K
75th percentile
$99K
90th percentile (senior)
$124K
View jobs for Human Resources Specialists
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
More openings for Human Resources Specialists
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
Prepare for the CPA exam
Online prep courses
View →
Full human resources specialists salary breakdown in Illinois
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Illinois cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Human Resources Specialists careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a human resources specialists make in Illinois?

The median human resources specialists salary in Illinois is $76,820 per year ($36.93/hr). This is 1% above the national median of $75,940. Salaries range from $48,980 to $123,940.

What are the requirements to become a human resources specialists in Illinois?

Human Resources Specialists positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a human resources specialists afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $76,820, a human resources specialists in Illinois would take home approximately $4,886/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,364/month, that's 27.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for human resources specialists in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for human resources specialists in Illinois are Springfield ($78,840), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($78,210), Bloomington ($74,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for human resources specialists?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $76,820 salary, this means roughly $3,803/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.