USA Career Guide- Human Resources Specialists
Education needed to be Human Resources Specialist
Most positions require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree. However, the level of education and experience required to become a human resources specialist varies by position and employer.
Education and Work Experience
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree. When hiring a human resources generalist, for example, most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field.
Many professional associations that specialize in human resources offer courses intended to enhance the skills of their members, and some offer certification programs. Although certification is usually voluntary, some employers may prefer or require it. Human resources generalists, in particular, can benefit from certification, because it shows knowledge and competence across all human resources areas.
Pay of Human Resources Specialist
As reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of human resources specialists was $52,690 in May 2010.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
Job Prospects of Human Resources Specialist
Employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Service industry will witness 55 percent of increase in employment, offering the most opportunities for the Human Resources specialists.
Overall job opportunities for human resources specialists are expected to be favorable. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and related work experience should have the best job prospects.
Human resources specialists held about 442,200 jobs in 2010 and are employed in nearly every industry. About 17 percent worked in the employment services industry, which includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services, and professional employer organizations.
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