In Austin, TX, Human Resources Specialists earn a median of $67,740 a year — about 11% below the U.S. median of $76,060. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #22.
What that pay is worth in Austin
Local prices run 98 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $77,280 salary is about break-even with the national average ($78,804 adjusted).
Can Human Resources Specialists afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 — 6.6 times the average Human Resources Specialist salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,655/mo takes roughly 26% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Human Resources Specialist pay ladder in Austin
Entry-level (10th percentile) Human Resources Specialists earn about $45,090; the top 10% reach $124,710 — a $79,620 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Human Resources Specialist job market in Austin
Austin employs roughly 8,680 Human Resources Specialists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Austin with other cities
See the full Human Resources Specialist salary by city ranking to weigh Austin against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Human Resources Specialists make in Austin?
The average Human Resources Specialist in Austin, TX earns about $77,280 per year, 1.6% above the national average of $76,060.
What is the take-home pay for Human Resources Specialists in Austin after taxes?
After federal and TX taxes, this $77,280 salary is worth about $63,196 a year - roughly $5,266 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 18%.
What do the highest-paid Human Resources Specialists earn in Austin?
The top 10% of Human Resources Specialists in Austin earn about $124,710 a year, versus about $45,090 for the bottom 10%.
Can Human Resources Specialists afford a home in Austin?
A typical Austin home runs about $512,700 - roughly 6.6x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.