Human resources specialists
SOC Code: 13-1071
Human resources specialists carries a 53% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $72,910 and +6.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 944,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Human resources specialists (SOC 13-1071) carries an AI exposure score of 53%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 944,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $72,910, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Human resources specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- 2. Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- 3. Administer employee benefit plans.
- 4. Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- 5. Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
- 6. Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- 7. Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
- 8. Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.
- 9. Review employment applications and job orders to match applicants with job requirements.
- 10. Inform job applicants of details such as duties and responsibilities, compensation, benefits, schedules, working conditions, or promotion opportunities.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Human resources specialists?
Human resources specialists has an AI exposure score of 53%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Human resources specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Human resources specialists is projected to grow by 6.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 944,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Human resources specialists?
Key skills for Human resources specialists include Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Human resources specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Human resources specialists is $72,910, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Human resources specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Human resources specialists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Human resources specialists?
Human resources specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).