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HR Program Specialist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a HR Program Specialist make in Kentucky? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Program Specialist in Kentucky is $72,557 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,432
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,376 to $80,343
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,928
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out HR Program Specialist Job Openings in Kentucky

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): $58,557
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $70,934
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $84,828
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $114,268
  • Expert (over 8 years): $134,174
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
HR Operations Analyst I less than 1 year $58,557
HR Program Specialist 1-2 years $70,934
HR Operations Analyst III 2-4 years $84,828
HR Operations Analyst IV 5-8 years $114,268
HR Operations Analyst V over 8 years $134,174

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: $85,372.
  • California: $85,048.
  • Massachusetts: $83,914.

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:

  • Graham: $70,055
  • Greenville: $69,813
  • Hartford: $70,179

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 $87,068 $42.0 20%
Financial Services $83,440 $40.0 15%
Internet $81,263 $39.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $79,812 $38.0 10%
Insurance $78,361 $38.0 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$64,376
Average $72,557/year
$80,343
$5,365
Average $6,046/month
$6,695
$1,238
Average $1,395/week
$1,545
$31
Average $35/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $80,343 $6,695 $1,545 $39
Average $72,557 $6,046 $1,395 $35
25th Percentile $64,376 $5,365 $1,238 $31

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.

  • Kentucky River Community Care | Mayking, KY

    Peer Support Specialist

    Kentucky River Community Care | Mayking, KY

    Job Description. Job Description. Title. Peer Support Specialist. Location. Kentucky River Community Care/ Breathitt County. Substance Use Disorder Program... more

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    HR Systems and Benefits Specialist II

    Calgon Carbon Corporation | CORAOPOLIS, PA

    Calgon Carbon | A Kuraray Company is growing—and so can your career. Be part of a global leader in environmental solutions, where your work directly impact... more

    20 Days Ago

  • CAN Community Health | FORT MYERS, FL

    Program Specialist

    CAN Community Health | FORT MYERS, FL

    Description. CAN Community Health is now hiring a Program Specialist I. Standard clinic hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-5:30pm Friday 8:00 am-12:30 pm. T... more

    12 Days Ago

  • Redbarn Pet Products LLC | PHOENIX, AZ

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    Description. About Us. At Redbarn® Pet Products, we're passionate about creating high-quality food, treats, and chews that help pets live happy, healthy li... more

    22 Days Ago

  • BREEN & SULLIVAN MECHANICAL SERVICES INC | WILMINGTON, MA

    Northeast Regional Payroll Specialist and HR Support

    BREEN & SULLIVAN MECHANICAL SERVICES INC | WILMINGTON, MA

    Description. Locations: Breen and Sullivan Mechanical Service, Caswell Mechanical, Shawsheen Air Services. Additional Northeast business units may be added... more

    13 Days Ago

  • Zepf | TOLEDO, OH

    Youth Program Support Specialist contingent

    Zepf | TOLEDO, OH

    Description. Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use ... more

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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