Human Resources Specialist in Jackson, TN

As a career analyst who's spent years mapping the professional landscape of West Tennessee, I can tell you that Jackson isn't the first city that comes to mind for HR professionals. But that’s precisely why it’s worth a closer look. It’s a city where the cost of living doesn’t scream at your paycheck, and where your skills as an HR Specialist are genuinely needed. This isn't about flashy startup culture; it's about stable, essential roles in established, community-focused organizations.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at the real numbers, the real employers, and the real lifestyle in Jackson.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

When you’re considering a move, the salary headline is just the start. It’s crucial to see how that number breaks down by experience and how it stacks up against other Tennessee markets. For an HR Specialist in Jackson, the data paints a clear picture of a market that’s stable and affordable.

The median salary for an HR Specialist in Jackson, TN, is $65,072 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.28. This is just slightly below the national average of $67,650 per year. However, the critical context here is the cost of living. With Jackson’s Cost of Living Index at 87.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), that $65,072 salary has significantly more purchasing power than it would in many other parts of the country. There are currently 136 HR Specialist jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and sustainable, indicating a stable demand for your skills without the volatility of a boomtown.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Jackson market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in HR	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Jackson)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $57,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$60,000 - $72,000
Senior-Level	8-12 years	$73,000 - $88,000
Expert/Managerial	12+ years	$90,000+ (often with bonuses)

How does Jackson compare to other Tennessee cities?

• Nashville: Salaries are higher (median closer to $72,000), but the cost of living is dramatically higher. A similar role in Nashville would need to pay over $90,000 to match Jackson's purchasing power.
• Memphis: A much larger metro with more corporate HQs. Salaries are competitive (median around $68,000), but the cost of living is also higher, and the commute can be a significant factor.
• Knoxville: Very similar to Jackson in terms of cost of living and salary averages ($64,000 - $66,000). The choice between Jackson and Knoxville often comes down to industry preference (Knoxville has a stronger healthcare and tech presence).
• Chattanooga: Salaries are slightly higher ($67,000+), but so is the cost of living, driven by its growth and proximity to Atlanta.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many employers in Jackson, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, offer strong benefit packages. A $65,072 salary with excellent health insurance, a 401(k) match, and paid time off can be more valuable than a $72,000 salary in a city with a high cost of living and minimal benefits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What does that $65,072 salary actually mean for your monthly life in Jackson?

Assumptions for a single filer, no dependents:

• Annual Salary: $65,072
• Estimated Federal Taxes (including FICA): ~22% ($14,316)
• Estimated State Taxes (TN has no income tax on wages): $0
• Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$50,756
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,230

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$866	20.5%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$220	5.2%
Groceries & Household	$400	9.5%
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500	11.8%
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150	3.5%
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$423	10%
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,671	39.5%

This budget looks remarkably healthy. The key is the low housing cost. With a $866 average rent for a 1BR, you’re spending only about 20% of your take-home pay on a roof over your head. This leaves an enormous amount of discretionary income for savings, paying down debt, or enjoying life.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With the median home price in Jackson around $220,000, a 20% down payment is $44,000. At your salary, saving $423/month would take about 8.5 years. However, many buyers use FHA loans (3.5% down – $7,700) or local down payment assistance programs. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $220,000 home would be roughly $1,400 - $1,500. This is still under 35% of your take-home pay, which is considered manageable. Owning a home here is a very realistic financial goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s economy is a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Your HR skills are critical in all these sectors. Here’s where the jobs are:

1. West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH): The undisputed economic anchor of the region. A massive system with multiple hospitals, including Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. WTH is a perpetual hirer for HR Generalists, Benefits Specialists, and Talent Acquisition roles. Hiring Trend: Steady. As the largest employer, they constantly need to recruit nurses, technicians, and support staff.

2. The University of Memphis at Lambuth: A public university campus in the heart of Jackson. They hire HR professionals for faculty/staff recruitment, payroll, and compliance. It’s a great environment for someone who enjoys the academic calendar and a slightly slower pace. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings often tied to the academic year.

3. Nissan North America: While the main assembly plant is in nearby Smyrna, Nissan has a significant parts distribution and logistics center in Jackson. This means HR roles focused on supply chain, warehouse staff, and safety compliance. Hiring Trend: Tied to the auto industry's health. It's cyclical but offers high-level specialist roles.

4. Regional Manufacturing (e.g., Kellogg's, PRC Industries): Jackson has a strong manufacturing base. Companies like Kellogg’s (cereal production) and PRC (a large industrial fabricator) need HR professionals skilled in union relations, safety compliance (OSHA), and shift-work payroll. Hiring Trend: Growing, as Tennessee’s manufacturing sector continues to expand.

5. Madison County Government: The county seat is Jackson. HR roles here are focused on public sector compliance, benefits administration for a diverse workforce (from sheriff's deputies to library staff), and recruitment. It’s stable work with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady, with turnover-driven openings.

6. Regional Banks & Credit Unions: Institutions like First Horizon Bank and Tennessee Bank & Trust have a strong presence. They need HR for branch staff recruitment, compliance, and employee development. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on professional and financial services roles.

Insider Tip: Get to know the "HR roundtable" in Jackson. Many of these employers' HR leaders know each other. Networking locally through the Jackson Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is more effective here than applying online alone. A referral from a WTH or Nissan HR manager carries significant weight.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee does not have a state-specific license to practice as an HR Specialist. However, professional certification is highly valued and often expected for advancement.

• Key Certifications: The most recognized are the SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) and the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) from HRCI.
• Cost: Exam fees range from $300 - $410 for members, $400 - $510 for non-members. Study materials and courses can add $500 - $1,500. Many Jackson employers, especially WTH and larger manufacturers, offer tuition reimbursement for certification.
• Timeline: There is no mandated timeline. You can sit for the exam at any time. However, to earn the SHRM-CP, you typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of HR experience. The PHR requires 2-4 years of professional HR experience. You should expect to spend 2-3 months of dedicated study time to prepare.
• Process: Apply through the SHRM or HRCI website, study (using their official guides), and schedule your exam at a testing center. The nearest testing center for Jackson is typically in Nashville or Memphis, a 1-1.5 hour drive. This is a key logistical point to plan for.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Where you live in Jackson will shape your daily life. Commutes are short everywhere, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities.

1. North Jackson (The "Executive" Corridor): This is where you’ll find newer subdivisions, higher-end restaurants, and the best public schools. It’s popular with professionals and managers. The commute to major employers like WTH or Nissan is 15-20 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Vibe: Upscale, quiet, family-friendly.

2. Midtown (The Heart of the City): Centered around the Union University campus and the historic downtown area. Offers older, charming homes, walkable streets, and a vibrant local coffee shop scene. Commute time is minimal (5-15 minutes to most jobs).

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950
   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, youthful.

3. South Jackson (The Affordable Hub): Offers the most affordable housing and a strong sense of community. You’ll find a mix of older homes and newer apartments. The commute to the major employers on the north side of town is 15-25 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $850
   • Vibe: Practical, diverse, down-to-earth.

4. East Jackson (The Rapidly Developing Area): This area is seeing new growth, with new apartment complexes and retail centers. It’s ideal for those who want modern amenities and a shorter commute to Nissan’s logistics center.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000
   • Vibe: Modern, convenient, growing.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jackson is negligible. Your choice of neighborhood should be based on your lifestyle preference, not a long commute. If you want to be near the action, Midtown is your spot. If you want space and newer amenities, look to North or East Jackson. South Jackson offers the best value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Advancement in Jackson’s HR scene is more about vertical growth within stable organizations than jumping between flashy startups.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by developing expertise in:

  • Manufacturing/Industrial Relations: Understanding OSHA, union contracts, and shift-work management can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your salary.
  • Healthcare Compliance: With WTH’s size, specialists in healthcare-specific regulations (HIPAA, CMS) are highly valued.
  • Talent Acquisition for Hard-to-Fill Roles: Recruiting for skilled trades, nurses, or specialized technicians is a critical skill here.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from HR Specialist to HR Generalist to HR Manager. From there, you can move into HR Director roles (often within a single large employer like WTH or Nissan) or become an HR Business Partner. The 10-year outlook is positive. The 8% job growth indicates a healthy need for seasoned HR professionals to manage an aging workforce, navigate new labor laws, and support the region's continued, stable economic expansion.

• Insider Tip: Don’t overlook lateral moves. Moving from an HR Specialist role in healthcare to a similar role in manufacturing can provide you with a broader skill set that makes you more versatile and valuable for a future leadership role. The key is to build a reputation as a problem-solver who understands the core business—whether that's patient care, car parts, or cereal production.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living with a strong salary-to-rent ratio.	Limited cultural/nightlife options compared to Nashville or Memphis.
Stable job market with large, established employers.	Slower pace of innovation in HR practices; may be less dynamic.
Short, stress-free commutes.	Professional networks are smaller and more close-knit.
Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.	Salary ceiling is lower than in major metros.
Excellent for families with good schools and affordable homes.	Proximity to Nashville can be a "brain drain" for some.

Final Recommendation:

Jackson, TN, is an excellent choice for an HR Specialist who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a sense of community over high-energy urban life. It’s a "work to live" city, not a "live to work" one. If you’re early to mid-career and want to build a solid foundation, save aggressively, and potentially buy a home quickly, Jackson is a financial home run. It’s also ideal for established professionals looking to escape the high costs and stress of larger cities.

However, if you’re seeking the cutting-edge HR tech scene, frequent networking events with thousands of professionals, or a vibrant nightlife scene, you may find Jackson too quiet. The career path is clear and stable, but it requires patience and internal growth within an organization.

For the right person, Jackson offers a rare combination: a median salary of $65,072 that feels like $85,000 elsewhere. That’s a powerful career proposition.

FAQs

1. Is there a strong HR community for networking in Jackson?
Yes, but it’s intimate. The local SHRM chapter is active and is your best bet. Attend meetings consistently. The community is small enough that your reputation will spread quickly if you are competent and engaged.

2. How competitive is the job market for HR Specialists?
With 136 jobs in a metro of 68,000, it’s competitive enough to require a tailored application but not so competitive that you can't get a foot in the door. Tailor your resume to the specific industry (healthcare, manufacturing) of the employer you're targeting.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for HR professionals new to Jackson?
Adjusting to the pace and scale. You’ll likely work for a single large employer for a long time. The challenge is staying innovative and motivated within that structure, rather than constantly moving to new companies. Building a professional development plan is key.

4. Is it common for employers to offer relocation assistance?
For mid-level and senior roles, it’s becoming more common, especially with larger employers like WTH and Nissan. For entry-level roles, it’s less likely, but you can always negotiate. Given the low cost of living, the need for a large relocation package is less critical.

5. What’s the best way to find housing from out of state?
Use the major rental sites (Zillow, Apartments.com), but also check local Facebook groups like "Jackson TN Rentals" or "Madison County Buy/Sell/Rent." For a month-to-month or short-term lease, consider a service like Furnished Finder, popular with traveling nurses who come to Jackson for work at WTH.