California ranks 4th of 50 states and D.C. for human resources specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($102,500) by $20,690 — a 25% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $50,250 to $152,010 — a $101,760 spread, 25% wider than the national $81,100 range.
California employs roughly 11.4% of all human resources specialists in the country (104,880 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $50,250 | $24.16 |
| 25th percentile | $63,710 | $30.63 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $81,810 | $39.33 |
| 75th percentile | $115,010 | $55.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $152,010 | $73.08 |
| Mean (average) | $94,720 | $45.54 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $81,810 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $102,500 | +25% |
| Washington | $83,230 | +2% |
| Massachusetts | $81,960 | +0% |
| Maryland | $81,140 | -1% |
| New York | $81,140 | -1% |
| Virginia | $78,580 | -4% |
| Colorado | $78,170 | -4% |
| New Jersey | $78,170 | -4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $81,860 | 3,420 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $82,100 | 11,260 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $81,490 | 31,070 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $81,240 | 6,650 |
| Surgical Technologists | $81,120 | 10,570 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $80,970 | 19,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Human Resources Specialists salary in California?
The mean human resources specialists salary in California is $94,720 per year. The median (middle) salary is $81,810 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Human Resources Specialists in California?
Entry-level human resources specialistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $50,250 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $63,710 per year.
What is the highest Human Resources Specialists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $152,010 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $115,010 per year.
How does the California Human Resources Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median human resources specialists salary in California is $81,810, which is +12% above national average of $72,910.