Human Resources Specialists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, human resources specialists earn $97,340 at the median — $46.8 an hour. The range runs from $59K at the entry level to $158K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $89,401 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 36.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About human resources specialists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level human resources specialists (10th percentile) start around $59K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $158K or more - a $99K spread from bottom to top.
Human Resources Specialists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $103K | +41% | 7,130 |
| Washington | $83K | +14% | 25,110 |
| Massachusetts | $82K | +12% | 25,490 |
| California | $82K | +12% | 104,880 |
| New York | $81K | +11% | 53,030 |
| Maryland | $81K | +11% | 16,960 |
| Virginia | $79K | +8% | 29,530 |
| New Jersey | $78K | +7% | 23,180 |
| Connecticut | $78K | +7% | 8,660 |
| Minnesota | $77K | +6% | 16,850 |
| Kansas | $76K | +5% | 8,830 |
| Vermont | $76K | +4% | 1,290 |
| Oregon | $74K | +2% | 11,200 |
| Delaware | $73K | -0% | 3,110 |
| Illinois | $72K | -1% | 32,600 |
Track human resources specialists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do human resources specialists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $97,340 a year - that works out to about $46.8 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $58,720, and experienced human resources specialists can clear $157,980. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,953/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a human resources specialists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median human resources specialists salary is worth about $89,401 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do human resources specialists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.