📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Human Resources Specialists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$116,426
per year
Median
$107,835
per year
Hourly
$55.97
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$72,785
25th Percentile — Junior$95,942
50th Percentile — Median$107,835
75th Percentile — Senior$148,046
90th Percentile — Top Earners$168,159
💡 Top-earning Human Resources Specialistss in California make up to $168,159 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$98.0k
2021
$101.5k
2022
$105.0k
2023
$108.7k
2024
$112.5k
2025
$116.4k
2026
📈 Human Resources Specialists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Human Resources Specialists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $180,460 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $172,310 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $200,253 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $215,388 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $125,740 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $142,040 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $168,818 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $125,740 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $165,325 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $162,996 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $149,025 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $137,383 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $180,460 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $137,383 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $130,397 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $142,040 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $133,890 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $172,310 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $186,282 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Human Resources Specialists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Human Resources Specialistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $116,426 per year, California's Human Resources Specialists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $72,785–$95,942, while experienced Human Resources Specialistss can command $148,046–$168,159.

Looking ahead, the Human Resources Specialists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Human Resources Specialists salary in California is $116,426 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $81,990.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Human Resources Specialistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Human Resources Specialists employment.
  • At $116,426/year, California Human Resources Specialists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $81,990/year.