Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $67,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized HR roles in less densely populated areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Southwest Iowa likely contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,600.
- Outlook: The Human Resources Specialist job market in Southwest Iowa is characterized by a local workforce of 270 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to national trends. The presence of 3.728 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit modest, presence of HR opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-15.3%below the national average.
$32.2
$1,289
$5,584
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Southwest Iowa's HR Specialist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, evolving labor laws, and the increasing complexity of HR functions typically drive salary increases over time. Therefore, HR Specialists in this region have likely experienced gradual salary appreciation, though the pace may differ from metropolitan areas.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise in areas like talent acquisition, compensation, and employee relations can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution serve as a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the rewards associated with accumulating specialized HR knowledge and leadership skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $43,150 | $20.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $50,258 | $24.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $60,550 | $29.1 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $83,763 | $40.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $99,600 | $47.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $67,010 for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa aligns precisely 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. Consequently, the lower nominal wage is offset by the absence of a higher cost of living, making the effective financial standing comparable to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
3.728
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.63x 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 0.63, the market for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while HR roles are present, they are not as abundant or in as high demand relative to the overall workforce compared to national trends. This lower concentration could imply less competition for available positions but also potentially fewer specialized or senior-level opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $75,290↑ 12% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $76,230↑ 14% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,430↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $66,910↓ 0% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $73,210↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $67,010. This typically ranges from $43,150 for entry-level positions to $99,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 15.3% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists.The average salary of $67,010 is significantly below the national average, and the lower concentration of HR roles (LQ of 0.63) indicates less demand. While the cost of living is average, the lower pay makes it less financially attractive compared to national standards.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($75,290) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Iowa compare to the national average?
The cost of living in Southwest Iowa is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are comparable to the national benchmark.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Southwest Iowa compared to the rest of the country?
The concentration of HR Specialists in Southwest Iowa is lower than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.63. This suggests that HR roles are less prevalent in this region relative to the total workforce when compared to the nation as a whole.
How many HR Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Southwest Iowa?
In Southwest Iowa, there are approximately 3.728 HR Specialist jobs for every 1,000 workers in the general workforce.
What is the total number of HR Specialists employed in Southwest Iowa?
The total local workforce for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Iowa is approximately 270 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.728 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area