HR Specialist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a HR Specialist do?

An HR Specialist focuses on specific areas of human resources, including recruitment, payroll, benefits, or employee relations.

They are responsible for the implementation and administration of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal standards and internal guidelines. HR Specialists manage various tasks such as conducting job interviews, processing payroll, administering employee benefits, and addressing employee grievances. By specializing in a particular HR function, they provide in-depth expertise and support to ensure that the organization's human resources operations run smoothly and effectively.

Through their specialized knowledge, HR Specialists help maintain a productive workplace environment that supports the organization's goals and employee needs.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

HR Specialists in the Human Resources field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Administer various human resources plans and procedures for all organization personnel.
• Assist in the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures.
• Prepare and maintain the employee handbook and the policies and procedures manual.
• Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Perform benefits administration, including claims resolution, change reporting, and communicating benefits information to employees.
• Conduct recruitment effort for all exempt and nonexempt personnel, students, and temporary employees; conduct new-employee orientations; monitor career pathing program, and write and place advertisements.
• Handle employee relations counseling, outplacement counseling, and exit interviewing.
• Participate in administrative staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars.
• Maintain company organization charts and the employee directory.
• Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the department and services performed.

How to Become a HR Specialist

Launching a career as a HR Specialist requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience as an HR coordinator or relevant human resources/administrative position.
• Deep understanding of labor laws and HR best practices.
• Knowledge of HR systems and databases.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent ability to organize and multitask.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

HR Specialist Salary Guide

Wondering what HR Specialists earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a HR Specialist in the U.S. is approximately $65,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. HR Specialists may receive a wide range of benefits.

HR Specialist Salary Career Steps