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Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Yakima, WA

Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA, earn an average annual salary of $73,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus in Yakima influence compensation levels for HR professionals. The specific economic landscape of Yakima, WA, plays a significant role in shaping these salary expectations.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,770.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 390 Human Resources Specialists, Yakima presents a moderately sized, yet concentrated, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates that HR Specialist roles are less prevalent in Yakima compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but potentially less dynamic demand for these professionals. The presence of nearly 4 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent, albeit not explosive, employment opportunities within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,750

The average Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.5

Weekly

$1,418

Monthly

$6,146

Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA, typically scales 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 significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the increasing value placed on expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities within the HR field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$48,030$23.1
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$55,313$26.6
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$69,640$33.5
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$92,188$44.3
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$103,770$49.9

Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$73,750

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $73,750 in Yakima, WA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

3.996

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Yakima, WA has 0.67x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.67 for Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA, signifies that the concentration of these roles is below the national average. This suggests that the job market for HR Specialists in Yakima is less saturated than in many other parts of the country, potentially offering a more specialized or niche environment for professionals in this field, rather than a highly competitive, abundant market.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA is $73,750. This typically ranges from $48,030 for entry-level positions to $103,770 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 6.8% lower than the national median of $79,090.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the salary of $73,750 is solid, it falls below the national average of $79,090. However, the cost of living being at the national average (100) means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent nationally.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?

The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($79,970) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

How does the Yakima HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Yakima, WA, is $73,750, which is approximately $5,340 less than the national average of $79,090.

What is the cost of living in Yakima, WA for HR Specialists?

The cost of living in Yakima, WA, is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the $73,750 salary has the same purchasing power in Yakima as the national average salary does across the U.S.

Is there high demand for HR Specialists in Yakima, WA?

The demand is moderate. With 3.996 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.67, HR Specialist roles are present but less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not overly competitive market.

What does the Location Quotient of 0.67 mean for HR Specialists in Yakima?

A Location Quotient of 0.67 means that HR Specialist jobs are less common in Yakima, WA, relative to the national average. This suggests a more specialized job market rather than one with abundant opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 3.996 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.