SalaryNode

Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Iowa

Human Resources Specialists in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $71,660, which is below the national average of $79,090. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall industry landscape and the specific demand for HR expertise within Iowa's business environment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $71,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,780 Human Resources Specialists, Iowa presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that while HR specialists are present, the concentration is slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced demand and supply dynamic rather than an oversaturated or highly specialized market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$71,660

The average Human Resources Specialists in Iowa earns-9.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$34.5

Weekly

$1,378

Monthly

$5,972

Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Iowa

Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to organizational success.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$43,740$21
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$53,745$25.8
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$64,920$31.2
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$89,575$43.1
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$108,720$52.3

Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$71,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$79,889

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The average annual salary of $71,660 in Iowa is significantly enhanced by the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This means that the nominal income stretches further in Iowa compared to national averages, offering a higher effective purchasing power and a potentially better quality of life for HR specialists residing there.

Job Market Context

7,780

Total Jobs

4.983

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Iowa 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that Human Resources Specialists are slightly less concentrated in Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition than in areas with a higher concentration, making it a potentially favorable market for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary$75,290↑ 5%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary$76,230↑ 6%37 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary$65,430↓ 9%55 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary$66,910↓ 7%79 mi
Iowa City, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary$73,210↑ 2%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Iowa is $71,660. This typically ranges from $43,740 for entry-level positions to $108,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 9.4% lower than the national median of $79,090.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?

Yes, considering the cost of living.While the nominal salary is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living means that $71,660 provides a strong purchasing power, making it financially advantageous.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($75,290) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does Iowa's HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for HR Specialists in Iowa is $71,660, which is approximately $7,430 less than the national average of $79,090.

What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Iowa?

Iowa has a Location Quotient of 0.84 for HR Specialists, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Iowa affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $71,660 salary has greater purchasing power.

What is the total number of HR Specialists employed in Iowa?

There are approximately 7,780 Human Resources Specialists employed within the state of Iowa.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,780 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 4.983 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa