Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $64,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized HR roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Southwest Virginia directly influence compensation levels for these professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 480 Human Resources Specialists, the job market in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan areas presents a moderate concentration. The Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that HR Specialist roles are less prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The rate of 4.1 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this, pointing to a consistent need for HR expertise within the existing business infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-18.1%below the national average.
$31.1
$1,245
$5,396
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development initiatives and evolving business needs likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation as companies invest in their human capital management.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia typically involves salary increases tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in areas like compensation, benefits, or employee relations can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as specialists gain valuable experience and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $38,830 | $18.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $48,563 | $23.3 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $60,170 | $28.9 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $80,938 | $38.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $96,740 | $46.5 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $64,750 for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan areas 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 someone earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may still offer a reasonable standard of living locally.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
4.1
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.69x 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 of 0.69 for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan areas indicates that the job market is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of HR professionals, the field is not oversaturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment. The lower concentration implies that employers may value specialized HR talent, but the overall demand is tempered by the region's economic scale.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $81,960↑ 27% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $79,240↑ 22% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,630↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $67,060↑ 4% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $69,460↑ 7% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $64,750. This typically ranges from $38,830 for entry-level positions to $96,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 18.1% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $64,750 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale indicates less financial reward compared to national benchmarks.
Is Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($81,960) and Richmond, VA.
How does the HR Specialist salary in Southwest Virginia compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Southwest Virginia's nonmetropolitan areas is $64,750, which is approximately $14,340 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the job market like for HR Specialists in this region?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.69, suggesting fewer HR Specialist roles relative to the national average. However, the presence of 480 professionals and 4.1 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable demand.
Does the Cost of Living affect the perceived value of the HR Specialist salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $64,750 salary in Southwest Virginia has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What factors might explain the lower salary for HR Specialists in Southwest Virginia?
Lower salaries can be attributed to regional economic conditions, industry mix, and potentially less competition among employers for specialized HR talent compared to more densely populated or economically vibrant areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.1 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Human Resources Specialists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area