Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Human Resources Specialists in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $70,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting the distinct economic landscape and potentially lower demand for specialized HR roles in this region compared to larger metropolitan hubs. The localized pay structure is a direct consequence of the area's economic drivers and the overall compensation benchmarks prevalent in nonmetropolitan settings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,420.
- Outlook: The Human Resources Specialist job market in Southeast Iowa, with a total local workforce of 780 individuals in this role, presents a moderate concentration. The Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates a lower prevalence of HR Specialists compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is present, the field is not as densely populated as in other regions. This could imply a stable but not rapidly expanding demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-10.4%below the national average.
$34.1
$1,363
$5,908
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Southeast Iowa's HR Specialist salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving HR needs likely contributed to modest salary increases, aiming to keep pace with inflation and attract qualified talent, even within a nonmetropolitan context.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $44,880 | $21.6 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $53,168 | $25.6 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $63,080 | $30.3 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $88,613 | $42.6 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $107,420 | $51.6 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $70,890 for Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in this region is comparable to that of their national counterparts, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages effectively cover local expenses.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
3.862
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.65x 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 0.65, the market for Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the job market is not saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals. Employers may need to actively recruit or offer competitive packages to attract talent due to the lower density of available specialists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $75,290↑ 6% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $76,230↑ 8% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,430↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $66,910↓ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $73,210↑ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $70,890. This typically ranges from $44,880 for entry-level positions to $107,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 10.4% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not when compared to national averages.While the average salary of $70,890 is respectable and aligns with the local cost of living, it falls short of the national average salary for Human Resources Specialists. The lower concentration of these roles also indicates a less robust job market compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($75,290) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the Southeast Iowa HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Southeast Iowa is $70,890, which is approximately $8,200 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the job market like for HR Specialists in Southeast Iowa?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.65, suggesting a stable but not overly competitive environment for HR Specialists.
Does the cost of living in Southeast Iowa affect the HR Specialist salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This indicates that the $70,890 salary offers a comparable purchasing power to the national average salary in relation to living expenses.
How many HR Specialists are there in Southeast Iowa?
There are approximately 780 Human Resources Specialists employed in the Southeast Iowa 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 780 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.862 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area