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HR Program Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does a HR Program Specialist make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Program Specialist in the United States is $77,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a HR Program Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,898
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,404 to $85,370
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,486
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out HR Program Specialist Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence HR Program Specialist Salaries

A HR Program Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects HR Program Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a HR Program Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $62,227
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $75,378
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $90,145
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $121,420
  • Expert (over 8 years): $142,555
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
HR Operations Analyst I less than 1 year $62,227
HR Program Specialist 1-2 years $75,378
HR Operations Analyst III 2-4 years $90,145
HR Operations Analyst IV 5-8 years $121,420
HR Operations Analyst V over 8 years $142,555

How Do HR Program Specialist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract HR Program Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $85,366.
  • California: $85,042.
  • Massachusetts: $83,909.

Top Paying Cities for HR Program Specialist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $97,247
  • San Francisco: $96,182
  • Oakland: $94,155

HR Program Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For HR Program Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 37% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, HR Program Specialist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Program Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a HR Program Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $92,521 $44.0 20%
Financial Services $88,666 $43.0 15%
Internet $86,353 $42.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $84,811 $41.0 10%
Insurance $83,269 $40.0 8%

HR Program Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a HR Program Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$68,404
Average $77,101/year
$85,370
$5,700
Average $6,425/month
$7,114
$1,315
Average $1,483/week
$1,642
$33
Average $37/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,370 $7,114 $1,642 $41
Average $77,101 $6,425 $1,483 $37
25th Percentile $68,404 $5,700 $1,315 $33

Most common benefits for HR Program Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for HR Program Specialist

Here are companies hiring for HR Program Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next HR Program Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current HR Program Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about HR Program Specialist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for HR Program Specialist?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for HR Program Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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