Explore Careers

Human Resources Specialists

Explore Careers

Human Resources Specialists

Business Management & Administration
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Space Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

What do Human Resources Specialists do in the Military?

Human resources specialists oversee the maintenance and processing of personnel records, including performance monitoring, training, and evaluation, as well as all human resource related actions such as military pay, transfers, leaves, disciplinary actions, and promotions.

Where do Human Resources Specialists work?

Human resources specialists normally work in office settings on land or aboard ships.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$101,716

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$20,988 - $356,274

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Human Resources Specialists gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Human resources specialists gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience. Training topics relate to personnel administration, and may include:

  • Preparation of military correspondence and forms
  • Personnel records management
  • Human resources administration policies and procedures
  • Organizational climate assessment
  • Equal opportunity policies and guidelines
  • Complaint resolution process

Military Training for Officers

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

What skills help Human Resources Specialists succeed?

  • Ability to compose clear instructions or correspondence
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures and instructions
  • Interest in working closely with others

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Office Clerks, General
  • Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical and Executive
  • Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
  • Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
  • Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
  • Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
  • Correspondence Clerks
  • Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Interested? Take Your Next Step!