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HR Program Specialist Salary in Tennessee

How much does a HR Program Specialist make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Program Specialist in Tennessee is $72,055 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): $86,828
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,931 to $79,788
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,535
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out HR Program Specialist Job Openings in Tennessee

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): $58,152
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $70,444
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $84,242
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $113,479
  • Expert (over 8 years): $133,247
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
HR Operations Analyst I less than 1 year $58,152
HR Program Specialist 1-2 years $70,444
HR Operations Analyst III 2-4 years $84,242
HR Operations Analyst IV 5-8 years $113,479
HR Operations Analyst V over 8 years $133,247

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:

  • Cornersville: $70,822
  • Lexington: $69,460
  • Iron City: $67,037

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 $86,467 $42.0 20%
Financial Services $82,864 $40.0 15%
Internet $80,702 $39.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $79,261 $38.0 10%
Insurance $77,820 $37.0 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
$63,931
Average $72,055/year
$79,788
$5,328
Average $6,005/month
$6,649
$1,229
Average $1,386/week
$1,534
$31
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,788 $6,649 $1,534 $38
Average $72,055 $6,005 $1,386 $35
25th Percentile $63,931 $5,328 $1,229 $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.

  • Emory Valley Center | Oak Ridge, TN

    Program Specialist

    Emory Valley Center | Oak Ridge, TN

    Accreditation SpecialistJoin the dedicated team at Emory Valley Center in Oak Ridge, TN, where our mission is centered around empowering individuals with i... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Carlisle Restaurant Group | Memphis, TN

    HR Benefits Specialist

    Carlisle Restaurant Group | Memphis, TN

    Memphis, TNStatement of Purpose:We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Human Resources Specialist to join our dynamic HR team. The ideal can... more

    9 Days Ago

  • ARS-Rescue Rooter | Memphis, TN

    HR Compliance Specialist

    ARS-Rescue Rooter | Memphis, TN

    Job Description. Company Name: ARS-Rescue Rooter Overview: \n. American Residential Services (ARS) is seeking an experienced. HR Compliance Specialist. to ... more

    23 Days Ago

  • Drive | Pulaski, TN

    802 - HR & Workforce Specialist

    Drive | Pulaski, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. HR & Workforce Specialist. Pulaski, TN | Full-Time | Hourly + Commission. Looking for an HR opportunity where you can do ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • L3Harris Technologies | Nashville, TN

    Specialist Program Finance

    L3Harris Technologies | Nashville, TN

    L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedi... more

    7 Days Ago

  • AC Disaster Consulting | Nashville, TN

    Public Assistance Program Specialist

    AC Disaster Consulting | Nashville, TN

    AC Disaster Consulting (ACDC) offers full-spectrum emergency management services to public and private clients.Our experienced professionals have been a pa... more

    8 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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