Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Human Resources Specialists in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $63,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized HR roles in non-urban settings. The compensation is influenced by the specific industry mix and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,480.
- Outlook: The Human Resources Specialist job market in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is characterized by a local workforce of 940 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of HR Specialists is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally robust demand for these roles within the region. The presence of 5.438 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, need for HR expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-20.3%below the national average.
$30.3
$1,212
$5,252
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Human Resources Specialists over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, evolving labor laws, and the increasing complexity of HR functions typically drive modest annual salary increases for experienced professionals in this field.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Central Kentucky typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial earning potential for senior HR leaders and specialists who manage complex employee relations, benefits, and strategic HR initiatives.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $39,270 | $18.9 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $47,265 | $22.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $61,200 | $29.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $78,775 | $37.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $93,480 | $44.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $63,020 in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the compensation.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
5.438
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.91x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area exhibits a job market for Human Resources Specialists that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while HR Specialists are present and employed, the market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled professionals. The slightly lower concentration implies a balanced supply and demand, where specialized talent could be particularly valuable.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Human Resources Specialists Salary | $71,360↑ 13% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Human Resources Specialists Salary | $82,330↑ 31% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Human Resources Specialists Salary | $71,830↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Human Resources Specialists Salary | $74,440↑ 18% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $63,020. This typically ranges from $39,270 for entry-level positions to $93,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 20.3% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $63,020 is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less financial reward for the role. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($71,360) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the Central Kentucky HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is $63,020, which is approximately $16,070 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in this region?
The concentration of HR Specialists in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the HR Specialist salary in Central Kentucky?
No, the cost of living in Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $63,020 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many HR Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Central Kentucky?
There are approximately 5.438 HR Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.438 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area