Minnesota / Human Services Department / Human Resources Specialist 3

Job-title file

Human Resources Specialist 3

Coordinate and deliver a specific program area, supporting planning, outreach, and daily operations.

15 employees hold this title in Human Services Department. Median total compensation for the role is $87,432, above the department median of $78,085.

Employees: 15
Total payroll: $1.2M
Role median: $87,432
Agency median: $78,085
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$41,696$93,797+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 15 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Human Resources Specialist 3 pay vs. Minnesota

Across all employers in Minnesota, the median wage for Human Resources Specialists — about 17,240 people — is $78,760. Human Services Department pays a median base salary of $75,098 for this role, 5% below that figure — about the 45th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Human Services Department sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$50,330

$61,860

$78,760

$100,930

$127,060

Human Services Department median · $75,098

The bar is the range of annual wages for Human Resources Specialists across every employer in Minnesota, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Human Services Department’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

And across the country

Nationwide, the median wage for Human Resources Specialists — about 912,430 people — is $75,940. Human Services Department’s median base salary is 1% below that national figure, about the 49th percentile of pay for the occupation nationally.

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$47,180

$58,610

$75,940

$99,380

$128,720

Human Services Department median · $75,098

Local and national wages differ for reasons beyond how well a job pays — cost of living, the mix of employers, and local demand for the occupation all move the Minnesota range relative to the national one.

Computed over the 36 of 40 people in this role paid at least $25,000 in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Human Services Department is $74,870, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across Minnesota

Human Resources Specialist 3 is held in 19 Minnesota departments. In Human Services Department, the median of $87,432 ranks #12 of 19.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Natural Resources Department

$95,669 · 2

Agriculture Department

$94,452 · 1

Public Safety Department

$93,677 · 2

Veterans Affairs Department

$93,167 · 4

Direct Care and Treatment Department

$91,854 · 4

Minnesota IT Services

$91,020 · 1

Administration Department

$90,280 · 3

MN Management & Budget

$89,309 · 3

Health Department

$88,797 · 5

Transportation Department

$88,396 · 7

MN St Colleges & Universities

$88,373 · 13

Employ & Economic Development Department

$86,113 · 5

Median total compensation for the Human Resources Specialist 3 role in other Minnesotadepartments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Human Resources Specialist beyond Minnesota

This role is reported in 14 jurisdictions. In Minnesota, the median of $75,621 ranks #5 of 14. See Human Resources Specialist across all of Minnesota →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

District of Columbia

$98,322 · 165

Chicago Public Schools

$86,470 · 6

$84,938 · 31

$82,400 · 306

$63,731 · 5

$58,904 · 1,145

$47,654 · 7

$45,978 · 18

Median total compensation for comparable Human Resources Specialist roles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Same department

Other job titles in Human Services Department

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Pamela Hughes

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$94,206

Sub-department: Human Res MN Merit System
Base pay: $94,206
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,206
Hire date: 1988-12-21
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Human Services Department, Pamela Hughes serves as a Human Resources Specialist 3 within Human Res MN Merit System. Their tenure dates to 1988, about 37 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $94,206. Their bargaining unit is Confidential.

Jennifer Halpaus

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$92,743

Sub-department: Human Res Staff C
Base pay: $92,743
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $92,743
Hire date: 2015-03-25
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Human Services Department, Jennifer Halpaus serves as a Human Resources Specialist 3 within Human Res Staff C. Hired in 2015, they have about 10 years of service, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $92,743. They are represented by Confidential.

Carolyn Rice

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$92,286

Sub-department: Human Res Staff D
Base pay: $92,286
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $92,286
Hire date: 2021-09-01
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Carolyn Rice holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Staff D. They have served since 2021 (about 4 years) as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $92,286. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Tiffany Brown

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$90,627

Sub-department: Human Res Staff A
Base pay: $90,317
Overtime: $310
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $90,627
Hire date: 2019-04-03
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Human Services Department, Tiffany Brown serves as a Human Resources Specialist 3 within Human Res Staff A. Their tenure dates to 2019, about 5 years, working full-time. Their 2024 pay totaled $90,627. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Susan Mwangi

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$88,605

Sub-department: Human Res DCT Rec TM2
Base pay: $88,416
Overtime: $188
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,605
Hire date: 2018-03-26
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Susan Mwangi is a Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Dct Recreation Tm2. They have served since 2018 (about 6 years), working full-time. 2024 total compensation came to $88,605. They are represented by Confidential.

Gaosheng Thao

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$88,389

Sub-department: OPS Office of Equity Director
Base pay: $88,389
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $88,389
Hire date: 2024-02-21
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Human Services Department, Gaosheng Thao serves as a Human Resources Specialist 3 within Operations Office of Equity Director. They have served since 2024 (about a year), working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $88,389. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Kelly Ellich

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$87,973

Sub-department: Human Res Staff D
Base pay: $86,973
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,973
Hire date: 2022-11-02
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Kelly Ellich holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Staff D. Their tenure dates to 2022, about 2 years as a full-time employee. In 2024, their total compensation was $87,973. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Jakeya Spencer

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$87,432

Sub-department: Human Res Staff D
Base pay: $87,432
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $87,432
Hire date: 2023-06-12
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Jakeya Spencer holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Staff D. Hired in 2023, they have about 2 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $87,432. They are represented by Confidential.

Angelika Matthews

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$82,395

Sub-department: Human Res Staff C
Base pay: $81,395
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,395
Hire date: 2023-12-06
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Angelika Matthews holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Staff C. Their tenure dates to 2023, about 2 years as a full-time employee. In 2025, their total compensation was $82,395. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Samanatha Devries

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$82,347

Sub-department: Human Res DCT Rec TM2
Base pay: $81,528
Overtime: $820
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $82,347
Hire date: 2022-08-29
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Samanatha Devries works as a Human Resources Specialist 3 for Human Services Department within Human Res Dct Recreation Tm2. Hired in 2022, they have about 2 years of service as a full-time employee. Samanatha earned $82,347 in 2024. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Alexander Duren

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$80,514

Sub-department: Human Res Staff D
Base pay: $77,514
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $80,514
Hire date: 2023-06-12
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Alexander Duren is a Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Staff D. Hired in 2023, they have about a year of service, working full-time. 2024 total compensation came to $80,514. Their bargaining unit is Confidential.

Jacqueline Jensen

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$75,080

Sub-department: Human Res Strategic Solutions
Base pay: $73,940
Overtime: $140
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $75,080
Hire date: 2012-08-10
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Carlton

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Jacqueline Jensen works as a Human Resources Specialist 3 for Human Services Department within Human Res Strategic Solutions. Hired in 2012, they have about 12 years of service as a full-time employee. Jacqueline earned $75,080 in 2024. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Raegan Juntunen

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$73,431

Sub-department: Human Res DCT Rec TM2
Base pay: $73,423
Overtime: $8
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $73,431
Hire date: 2019-01-09
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Carlton

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

Raegan Juntunen holds the role of Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Dct Recreation Tm2. Hired in 2019, they have about 5 years of service as a full-time employee. In 2024, their total compensation was $73,431. Union affiliation: Confidential.

Christian Brantner

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2025 total comp

$62,233

Sub-department: Human Res Staff C
Base pay: $61,233
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $62,233
Hire date: 2023-06-07
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2025: Yes
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

At Human Services Department, Christian Brantner serves as a Human Resources Specialist 3 within Human Res Staff C. Their tenure dates to 2023, about 2 years, working full-time. Their 2025 pay totaled $62,233. Their bargaining unit is Confidential.

James Cooper Jr

Human Resources Specialist 3/Human Services Department

2024 total comp

$41,696

Sub-department: Human Res Talent Acquisition
Base pay: $41,476
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $220
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $41,696
Hire date: 2022-09-12
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay grade: 13
Union / bargaining unit: Confidential
Pay basis: Hourly
Full-time equivalent (FTE): 1
Work county: Ramsey

Source-specific fields

Active on June 30, 2024: No
Agency Number: H55
Bargaining Unit Number: 217
Branch: Executive
Branch Code: Executive
Classified Code: Classified
Classified Status: Classified
Compensation Frequency Code: Hourly

James Cooper Jr is a Human Resources Specialist 3 at Human Services Department within Human Res Talent Acquisition. Hired in 2022, they have about 2 years of service, working full-time. 2024 total compensation came to $41,696. They are represented by Confidential.