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Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME

Human Resources Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $74,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $79,090, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within Maine. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living parity plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,800.
  • Outlook: The Portland-South Portland, ME, market for Human Resources Specialists is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 1,370 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area. The presence of 4.832 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for HR expertise within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,030

The average Human Resources Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME earns-6.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.6

Weekly

$1,424

Monthly

$6,169

Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME

Career progression for Human Resources Specialists typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles reflect the increasing value placed on expertise, strategic thinking, and proven track records in HR management.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$45,310$21.8
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$55,523$26.7
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$69,620$33.5
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$92,538$44.5
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$106,800$51.3

Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $74,030 for Human Resources Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the take-home pay might be lower than the national average salary, the expenses incurred locally are also at par, offering a balanced financial standing.

Job Market Context

1,370

Total Jobs

4.832

Per 1K Jobs

0.81

Location Quotient

Below Average

Portland-South Portland, ME 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the job market for Human Resources Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME, is neither exceptionally saturated nor critically undersupplied compared to the national landscape. This indicates a competitive environment where skilled professionals can find opportunities, but the demand is not overwhelmingly high, suggesting that employers may have a reasonable pool of candidates to choose from. It presents a balanced market for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists

CitySalaryDist.
Lewiston-Auburn, ME Human Resources Specialists Salary$59,630↓ 19%29 mi
Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary$75,680↑ 2%67 mi
Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary$71,430↓ 4%67 mi
Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary$70,460↓ 5%67 mi
Manchester-Nashua, NH Human Resources Specialists Salary$78,460↑ 6%76 mi

Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME

Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME is $74,030. This typically ranges from $45,310 for entry-level positions to $106,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 6.4% lower than the national median of $79,090.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary is $74,030, it falls below the national average of $79,090. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($59,630) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.

How does the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME affect HR Specialist salaries?

The cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME is exactly at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $74,030 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offsetting the slightly lower nominal salary compared to the national average.

What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Portland-South Portland, ME?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.81, which is slightly below the national average. This suggests that HR Specialist roles are present but not disproportionately more common than in other parts of the country.

How many HR Specialists are there in Portland-South Portland, ME?

There are approximately 1,370 Human Resources Specialists employed within the Portland-South Portland, ME, metropolitan area, representing about 4.832 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Is the job market for HR Specialists growing in Portland-South Portland, ME?

While specific growth rates are not detailed, the stable presence of HR Specialists (4.832 per 1,000 workers) and a Location Quotient near the national average suggest a consistent, albeit not explosive, demand for these professionals in the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,370 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 4.832 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME

Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME