Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Iowa City, IA
Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, IA, earn an average annual salary of $73,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation in this region. Factors such as industry concentration and the specific demand for HR expertise within Iowa City's economic landscape contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,370.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 Human Resources Specialists, Iowa City presents a moderately sized employment pool for this profession. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the role is present, it may not be as overwhelmingly dominant as in other regions. The rate of 4.812 jobs per 1,000 workers provides a benchmark for understanding the relative prevalence of HR specialist roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, IA earns-7.4%below the national average.
$35.2
$1,408
$6,101
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Human Resources Specialists across the United States, including Iowa City, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by increasing labor costs, evolving HR responsibilities, and a greater emphasis on strategic HR functions within organizations. Therefore, current compensation likely reflects this broader national trend of salary appreciation.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
The salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, IA, naturally expands with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior HR specialists, with extensive experience and specialized skills, can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between these experience levels are crucial indicators of career progression opportunities and the potential for substantial salary increases as professionals advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $48,630 | $23.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $54,908 | $26.4 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $67,720 | $32.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $91,513 | $44 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $106,370 | $51.1 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $73,210 in Iowa City, IA, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in Iowa City is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the real value of the income is maintained, making it a stable financial environment for professionals.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
4.812
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.81x 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 (LQ) of 0.81 for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, IA, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that the job market for HR specialists is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce. While there is a consistent presence of these roles, the slightly below-average concentration might imply a balanced demand and supply dynamic, potentially offering stable career opportunities without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $66,910↓ 9% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Human Resources Specialists Salary | $80,380↑ 10% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,430↓ 11% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,890↓ 10% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,890↓ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, IA is $73,210. This typically ranges from $48,630 for entry-level positions to $106,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 7.4% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $73,210 is below the national average of $79,090. However, the Cost of Living Index being at the national average of 100 means the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($66,910) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of HR Specialists in Iowa City compare nationally?
Iowa City has a total local workforce of 440 Human Resources Specialists, which is a moderate number relative to the national distribution of this profession.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.81 mean for HR Specialists in Iowa City?
A Location Quotient of 0.81 signifies that Human Resources Specialists are slightly less concentrated in Iowa City compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City affect the HR Specialist salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Iowa City's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $73,210 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Are there many job opportunities for HR Specialists in Iowa City?
There are 4.812 jobs per 1,000 workers for Human Resources Specialists in Iowa City, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 4.812 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 Iowa City, IA