Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Human Resources Specialists in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $65,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand dynamics. The specific compensation for HR Specialists in this locale is influenced by the concentration of related industries and the overall economic landscape of the Iowa region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,360.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA labor market for Human Resources Specialists shows a moderate presence, with a total local workforce of 340 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that HR Specialists are less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not oversaturated job market. With 3.942 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, though not exceptionally high, pointing to steady opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-17.3%below the national average.
$31.5
$1,258
$5,453
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Human Resources Specialists nationwide have experienced a consistent upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for HR expertise in navigating complex labor laws and employee relations, and the evolving role of HR in organizational strategy.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, as elsewhere, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial earning potential as one advances from junior to senior HR roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $41,000 | $19.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $49,073 | $23.6 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $59,970 | $28.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $81,788 | $39.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $96,360 | $46.3 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $65,430 for Human Resources Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary is effectively balanced by the stable cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
3.942
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.66x 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 0.66, Human Resources Specialists are less concentrated in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area than the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of HR professionals vying for positions. While this could indicate fewer opportunities compared to highly concentrated areas, it also implies a potentially stronger bargaining position for qualified candidates seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $66,910↑ 2% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,890↑ 8% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,900↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $68,080↑ 4% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $67,010↑ 2% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $65,430. This typically ranges from $41,000 for entry-level positions to $96,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 17.3% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $65,430 is below the national average of $79,090. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power of this salary is comparable.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($66,910) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $65,430, which is approximately $13,660 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.66, indicating that HR Specialists are less prevalent in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived salary for HR Specialists in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
How many HR Specialist jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
There are approximately 3.942 Human Resources Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 3.942 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA