Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Associate's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping, support HR functions and work with information, people, and processes. This role combines administrative work with regular interaction with employees and job candidates. The national median annual salary is $49,440, with about 95,000 people employed in these positions across the country. While projected employment growth is -7.1%, there are still an estimated 9,000 annual openings, reflecting ongoing turnover and replacement needs. The role typically requires an associate’s degree, making it accessible to those who want to enter the HR field without a four-year degree. Success in this career draws on strong computer and information technology skills, interpersonal abilities, customer service, and careful attention to detail. For those who enjoy organizing information, communicating clearly, and supporting people-oriented processes, this occupation can be a structured entry point into the broader human resources and administrative career space, with related options that include several types of secretaries and administrative assistants.
The national median annual salary for human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping, is $49,440. Pay varies by location, with several states offering higher median salaries. Among top states by opportunity score, California reports a median salary of $57,590, Washington $57,390, Massachusetts $55,840, Colorado $54,880, and New York $52,920. At the metro level, some areas stand out even more. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a median salary of $67,590, and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA reports $66,550. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro posts $56,850, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is at $59,120 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $57,440. These figures show that earnings can differ significantly across regions, with certain metros and states offering higher pay than the national median.
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping, have a national employment level of about 95,000. Projected employment growth for this occupation is -7.1%. Despite this decline, there are still an estimated 9,000 annual openings. This combination indicates that much of the hiring activity will be driven by the need to replace workers who change jobs, retire, or leave the labor force, rather than by expansion of the total number of positions. For job seekers, this means opportunities can still be found, but competition may be influenced by the overall decline in employment levels. Individuals considering this path may also want to be aware of related occupations—such as several types of secretaries and administrative assistants and court, municipal, and license clerks—as alternative or complementary directions within administrative and office support careers.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping. Among states, California holds the highest CareerGPS opportunity score at 67.38, with a median salary of $57,590 and employment of 11,490. Massachusetts (65.87) and New York (65.78) also rank highly, with median salaries of $55,840 and $52,920, respectively. Colorado (56.97) and Washington (56.29) round out the top states, both offering median pay above $54,000 and established employment bases. At the metro level, the differences are even more pronounced. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $67,590, followed closely by New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ with a score of 77.27 and median pay of $56,850. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also offer relatively high salaries and strong opportunity scores, suggesting concentrated markets for this occupation.
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping, typically need an associate’s degree. This requirement positions the occupation as accessible to those who want a postsecondary credential without completing a bachelor’s program. The role relies on a broad mix of skills. Computers and information technology skills support handling digital information and systems. Interpersonal, speaking and listening, and customer service skills are central to interacting with employees and others. Writing and reading abilities are important for documents and communications. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and adaptability help with handling varied situations and tasks. Being detail oriented supports accuracy in records and processes. Together, this combination of education and skills can prepare individuals for structured office-based work and may also be useful for transitions into related roles such as other administrative and secretarial occupations listed as similar careers.
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