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HR Program Specialist Salary in New Jersey

How much does a HR Program Specialist make in New Jersey? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Program Specialist in New Jersey is $83,575 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,710
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,152 to $92,544
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,573
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out HR Program Specialist Job Openings in New Jersey

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): $67,449
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,707
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $97,710
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $131,621
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,550
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
HR Operations Analyst I less than 1 year $67,449
HR Program Specialist 1-2 years $81,707
HR Operations Analyst III 2-4 years $97,710
HR Operations Analyst IV 5-8 years $131,621
HR Operations Analyst V over 8 years $154,550

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:

  • Maywood: $87,565
  • Teterboro: $87,598
  • Alpine: $87,564

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 $100,290 $48.0 20%
Financial Services $96,111 $46.0 15%
Internet $93,604 $45.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $91,933 $44.0 10%
Insurance $90,261 $43.0 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
$74,152
Average $83,575/year
$92,544
$6,179
Average $6,965/month
$7,712
$1,426
Average $1,607/week
$1,780
$36
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,544 $7,712 $1,780 $44
Average $83,575 $6,965 $1,607 $40
25th Percentile $74,152 $6,179 $1,426 $36

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.

  • Johnson Technology Systems Inc | Dover, NJ

    Contracts&amp HR Operations Specialist

    Johnson Technology Systems Inc | Dover, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking an experienced. Contracts & HR Operations Specialist. to support contract administration and HR operations... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Chubb | Whitehouse Station, NJ

    CoE HR Specialist

    Chubb | Whitehouse Station, NJ

    Coe Hr Specialist Interview SpecialistChubb's North America HR Service Delivery team is hiring for a CoE HR Specialist Interview Specialist. This role prov... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges | Maplewood, NJ

    Program Specialist

    Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges | Maplewood, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. POSITION SUMMARY. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening c... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Metro YMCA of the Oranges | New Milford, NJ

    Program Specialist

    Metro YMCA of the Oranges | New Milford, NJ

    We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Englewood Lab, Inc. | Paterson, NJ

    HR Talent&amp Organizational Development Specialist

    Englewood Lab, Inc. | Paterson, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. 1. Title. Talent & Organizational Development Specialist. 2. Reports to. Director of HR & GA. 3. Department. Human Resour... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Veracity Ventures Inc. | Jersey City, NJ

    Senior Specialist Program Finance

    Veracity Ventures Inc. | Jersey City, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. I came across your background and wanted to reach out regarding a full-time opportunity for a. Lead Embe... more

    7 Days Ago

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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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