Human Resources Specialists salary
in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
- Middle 50%
- $56,050–$97,840
- vs U.S. median
- -6%
- Metro rank
- #158 of 466
Human Resources Specialists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro earn a median of $71,600 a year, based on BLS estimates for 2,450 jobs (May 2025). That is 6% below the U.S. median of $75,940 and 7% above the IA statewide median of $66,710. It ranks #158 of 466 metros with published figures for this job.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE2,450 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Full percentile breakdown
BLS · metro vs U.S.
Were you outpaid?
Your salary is ranked in your browser and never uploaded.
Human Resources Specialists pay in other IA metros
8 metros · BLS
| Metro | Median |
|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $79,670 |
| Iowa City, IA | $71,120 |
| Ames, IA | $70,060 |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $65,490 |
| Dubuque, IA | $64,390 |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $63,250 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,070 |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $63,060 |
Turn your result into a raise plan.
Run the free check first for Human Resources Specialists. If you want to act on it, the Dossier turns your result into a target number (the 75th percentile for your job and metro), the employers that report paying more (where filing data exists), a raise or counter-offer script filled in with your numbers, and a one-page summary for your manager.
- ✓ Built from BLS and DOL data
- ✓ PDF generated in your browser
- ✓ 7-day money-back guarantee
RELATED JOBS IN DES MOINES
- Business Operations Specialists, All Othermedian $86,540 · 5,130 jobs
- Project Management Specialistsmedian $101,150 · 2,640 jobs
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialistsmedian $76,580 · 3,440 jobs
- Management Analystsmedian $90,730 · 2,110 jobs
- Buyers and Purchasing Agentsmedian $73,710 · 1,010 jobs
- Training and Development Specialistsmedian $74,610 · 1,580 jobs
- Compliance Officersmedian $84,590 · 1,560 jobs
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigatorsmedian $73,710 · 2,100 jobs
Questions
What is the average Human Resources Specialists salary in Des Moines?
The BLS median is $71,600 a year (May 2025). Half of the 2,450 jobs pay between $56,050 and $97,840. The 10th percentile is $46,940 and the 90th is $120,470.
Is Des Moines a high-paying metro for Human Resources Specialists?
That is 6% below the U.S. median of $75,940 and 7% above the IA statewide median of $66,710. It ranks #158 of 466 U.S. metros with published BLS figures for this job.
How much do Human Resources Specialists make an hour in Des Moines?
About $34.42 an hour at the median (the BLS annual figure of $71,600 divided by 2,080 hours, the conversion BLS uses). The middle half earn about $26.95–$47.04 an hour. Straight-time pay, before overtime and shift differentials.
Does this include experience levels?
BLS figures cover all experience levels together. Employer filings carry a DOL wage level, which the free checker can filter by (approximate).
Sources: U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national + state) (metro area estimates, all employers); employer rows from U.S. DOL OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026 Q3 (LCA_Disclosure_Data_FY2026_Q3.xlsx). Base pay only. Estimates can have sampling error, especially for smaller metros.