Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Altoona, PA
Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA, earn an average annual salary of $68,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand for specialized HR roles contribute to this compensation difference. While the cost of living in Altoona is precisely at the national average, the nominal salary may require careful budgeting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,040.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 Human Resources Specialists, Altoona presents a modest but stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.84 indicates a slightly lower concentration of HR Specialists compared to the national average, implying that while the role is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy. The rate of 5.018 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a steady, rather than rapidly expanding, demand.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA earns-13.6%below the national average.
$32.9
$1,314
$5,695
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona's HR Specialist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and evolving HR practices typically drive incremental salary growth, even in smaller markets. Therefore, professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in earning potential, though the pace may be moderated by local economic factors.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior HR roles, requiring extensive expertise in areas like compensation, benefits, or employee relations, command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $43,580 | $21 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $51,255 | $24.6 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $62,020 | $29.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $85,425 | $41.1 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $103,040 | $49.5 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,340 for Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA, aligns directly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in Altoona is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living suggests that the effective take-home value of the salary is comparable to what one might experience in a higher-cost area with a higher nominal salary.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
5.018
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.84x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.84 for Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA, indicates a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while HR Specialist roles are established, they are not as prevalent as in larger metropolitan areas or regions with a higher density of businesses requiring extensive HR support. This moderate concentration implies a potentially less competitive, but also less saturated, job market for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,040↓ 5% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $72,660↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,360↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Human Resources Specialists Salary | $83,190↑ 22% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $67,220↓ 2% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA is $68,340. This typically ranges from $43,580 for entry-level positions to $103,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 13.6% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national standards.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $68,340 is significantly below the national average of $79,090, indicating lower earning potential in this specific location.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($65,040) and State College, PA.
How does the Altoona HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Altoona, PA, is $68,340, which is approximately $10,750 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Altoona compared to the rest of the US?
Altoona has a location quotient of 0.84 for HR Specialists, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated in this area than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Altoona affect the perceived value of the HR Specialist salary?
No, the cost of living in Altoona is exactly at the national average (index of 100), so the $68,340 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
How many HR Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Altoona?
There are approximately 5.018 Human Resources Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in Altoona, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 5.018 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA