Illinois ranks 16th of 50 states and D.C. for human resources specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($102,500) by $30,150 — a 42% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,140 to $113,900 — a $66,760 spread, 18% tighter than the national $81,100 range.
Illinois employs roughly 3.6% of all human resources specialists in the country (32,600 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,140 | $22.67 |
| 25th percentile | $57,750 | $27.76 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $72,350 | $34.78 |
| 75th percentile | $92,340 | $44.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $113,900 | $54.76 |
| Mean (average) | $76,880 | $36.96 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $72,350 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $102,500 | +42% |
| Washington | $83,230 | +15% |
| Massachusetts | $81,960 | +13% |
| California | $81,810 | +13% |
| Maryland | $81,140 | +12% |
| New York | $81,140 | +12% |
| Virginia | $78,580 | +9% |
| Colorado | $78,170 | +8% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $72,840 | 35,350 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $71,790 | 4,390 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $73,050 | 3,350 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $71,620 | 8,510 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $73,250 | 10,070 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $73,520 | 3,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Human Resources Specialists salary in Illinois?
The mean human resources specialists salary in Illinois is $76,880 per year. The median (middle) salary is $72,350 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Illinois?
Entry-level human resources specialistss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $47,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $57,750 per year.
What is the highest Human Resources Specialists salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $113,900 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $92,340 per year.
How does the Illinois Human Resources Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median human resources specialists salary in Illinois is $72,350, which is -1% below national average of $72,910.