In Philadelphia, PA, Human Resources Specialists earn a median of $69,280 a year — about 9% below the U.S. median of $76,060. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #19.
What that pay is worth in Philadelphia
Local prices run 103 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $75,650 salary buys less than it looks — about $73,766 in national-average buying power.
Can Human Resources Specialists afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 — 3.1 times the average Human Resources Specialist salary, manageable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,323/mo takes roughly 21% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Human Resources Specialist pay ladder in Philadelphia
Entry-level (10th percentile) Human Resources Specialists earn about $45,000; the top 10% reach $113,110 — a $68,110 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 Philadelphia
Philadelphia employs roughly 18,380 Human Resources Specialists. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Philadelphia with other cities
See the full Human Resources Specialist salary by city ranking to weigh Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
The average Human Resources Specialist in Philadelphia, PA earns about $75,650 per year, 0.5% below the national average of $76,060.
What is the take-home pay for Human Resources Specialists in Philadelphia after taxes?
After federal and PA taxes, this $75,650 salary is worth about $59,727 a year - roughly $4,977 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 21%.
What do the highest-paid Human Resources Specialists earn in Philadelphia?
The top 10% of Human Resources Specialists in Philadelphia earn about $113,110 a year, versus about $45,000 for the bottom 10%.
Can Human Resources Specialists afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 - roughly 3.1x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.