Human Resources Specialist in Juneau city and, AK

The Salary Picture: Where Juneau city and Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Juneau’s job market operates on its own rhythm, set by the tides and the state government calendar. For Human Resources Specialists, the financial picture is solid, if not explosive. The median salary here is $67,995/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.69/hour. This is remarkably close to the national average of $67,650/year, a rarity for Alaska. Usually, our salaries are significantly higher to offset the cost of living, but for HR, the market is more aligned with the Lower 48. This suggests a stable, mature market rather than one undergoing a hiring frenzy.

The job market for HR in the capital is small but steady. There are approximately 63 HR jobs in our metro area, which serves a population of 31,969. That’s a tight-knit professional community. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is decent, though not as aggressive as tech hubs. This growth is largely tied to the expansion of healthcare services and the stability of government employment.

To give you a clearer sense of where you might fall in this range, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring patterns and experience:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Typical Local Role
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$52,000 - $60,000	HR Assistant, Benefits Coordinator at a small firm or non-profit
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$62,000 - $75,000	HR Generalist, Recruiting Specialist at Bartlett Regional Hospital or a state agency
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000	HR Manager, Labor Relations Specialist for the City & Borough of Juneau or a larger regional employer
Expert/Leadership (13+ yrs)	$90,000 - $110,000+	Director of HR, Chief Human Resources Officer for a major hospital or state department

Compared to other Alaskan cities, Juneau is a middle ground. Anchorage has a larger, more corporate market with higher salaries for specialized roles but also more competition. Fairbanks leans heavily on military and university HR. Juneau’s market is dominated by public sector and healthcare, which offer great stability but can have more rigid salary scales. The key differentiator here is that you’re not just taking a job; you’re often stepping into a role that is deeply integrated into the community’s governance and service delivery.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median salary of $67,995 in Juneau means your take-home pay will be affected by Alaska’s unique tax structure—no state income or sales tax—but high costs for goods and services. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,666
• Estimated Deductions (Federal Tax, FICA, Local Options): ~$1,250
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,416

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,307
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $250 (Juneau’s hydropower is relatively cheap, but heating costs in winter are real)
• Groceries: $450 (Food costs are about 30% above national average; a gallon of milk can be $5)
• Transportation: $300 (Gas is ~$4.20/gal; you may not need a car if you live downtown, but it’s helpful)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300
• Retirement Savings (5%, 401k): $283
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Clothing, Personal): $800
• Total Expenses: ~$3,690
• Remaining Buffer/Savings: ~$726

This leaves a manageable cushion, but it’s tight. You’ll need to be mindful of discretionary spending. The biggest variable is housing. The average 1BR rent is $1,307/month, but this can swing from $1,100 in the Douglas neighborhood to over $1,600 for a modern apartment in the Mendenhall Valley or Downtown.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is more challenging. The median home price in Juneau hovers around $550,000. For a 20% down payment ($110,000), you’d need significant savings. With a median salary of $67,995, lenders would be cautious. While some state jobs offer mortgage assistance programs, a standard FHA loan (3.5% down) would still require ~$19,250 upfront. Monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, would likely exceed $2,800, which is over 60% of your net take-home—a risky ratio. Most HR professionals I know rent for several years before considering buying, often pairing up with a partner or waiting for a promotion to the $90,000+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: Juneau city and's Major Employers

The job market here is not about Fortune 500 companies; it’s about the institutions that keep the capital running. HR roles are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. State of Alaska (All Departments): The largest employer. HR Specialist roles are spread across the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the Department of Administration (which handles state HR policy), and Alaska Marine Highway System. Hiring is often through the state’s official job board. Stability is high, but the hiring process can be slow.
2. City & Borough of Juneau (CBJ): The local government is a major employer. Look for HR Generalist or Benefits Administrator positions. They manage everything from police to parks & rec. CBJ offers excellent benefits and a pension plan, which is a huge draw.
3. Bartlett Regional Hospital: The primary healthcare provider. They have a dedicated HR department and frequently hire for roles like HR Coordinator and Payroll Specialist. The healthcare sector in Juneau is growing, especially with expansion of services for an aging population.
4. Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC): While their headquarters are in Juneau, this is a global investment firm. They hire for specialized, high-level HR roles focused on talent acquisition and corporate culture. Competition is fierce, and salaries are in the $85,000+ range.
5. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS): The local university campus needs HR for faculty, staff, and student workers. Roles here often blend HR with academic administration.
6. Regional Native Corporations: Entities like Sealaska or Goldbelt have corporate offices in Juneau and need HR for their diverse business portfolios (tourism, forestry, investments). These roles can be dynamic and culturally rich.
7. Seasonal & Tourism Employers: Companies like Alaska Travel Adventures or Cruise Lines (during the season) hire temporary HR and administrative staff. It’s a good way to get a foot in the door and build local experience.

Insider Tip: Networking is everything in Juneau. The Juneau Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Society for Human Resource Management (AKSHRM) chapter are crucial. A personal referral from someone already at Bartlett or the State can bypass the formal application queue.

Getting Licensed in AK

For most HR Specialist roles in Juneau, you do not need a state-specific license. Alaska does not license HR practitioners. However, professional certification is highly valued, especially in the public sector and healthcare.

• Key Certifications: The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP are the most common. For senior roles, the SPHR or SHRM-SCP are expected.
• Costs: Exam fees for SHRM-CP are typically $410 for members ($300 for non-members), and for PHR, it's $395. Study materials can add $200-$500.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, plan for 3-6 months of study. The exams are offered year-round at testing centers (the nearest is in Anchorage, or you can take them online).
• State-Specific Nuance: If you’re dealing with labor relations in Alaska, familiarity with the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) is essential. For benefits, knowing the specifics of the Alaska Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) is a major advantage if you work for the state or a school district.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially the state and CBJ, will pay for your certification exam upon successful completion. Ask about this during your interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Where you live in Juneau directly impacts your lifestyle and commute. The city is a narrow strip along Gastineau Channel, with distinct areas.

Neighborhood	Typical 1BR Rent Estimate	Commute to Downtown (State/Bartlett)	Vibe & Best For
Downtown / North Douglas	$1,400 - $1,700	0-10 min walk / 5-min drive	Urban, walkable, coffee shops, close to everything. Best for those who want to ditch the car.
Mendenhall Valley	$1,200 - $1,500	15-20 min drive	Family-oriented, suburban feel, big-box stores (Costco), near the Mendenhall Glacier. Good for quiet living.
Juneau Douglas City (South)	$1,100 - $1,350	10-15 min drive	Older, established neighborhoods with character. More affordable housing stock.
Auke Bay / Lemon Creek	$1,300 - $1,600	20-25 min drive	Scenic, near the university and airport. Faster drive to downtown via the Douglas Bridge. Popular with professionals.
Douglas	$1,000 - $1,300	15-min drive (or ferry)	Small-town feel, strong community, slightly cheaper. The ferry is a unique commute option.

Insider Tip: If you work for the state or CBJ, living in Douglas is a fantastic option. The cost of living is lower, and the community is tight-knit. The ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) is a reliable and scenic commute, though it adds time. Parking downtown is expensive and limited, so if you live there, budget for a garage spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Juneau, career advancement in HR is less about jumping to a new company every two years (there are limited options) and more about deepening your expertise within your current organization or moving to a larger public entity.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. Labor Relations (especially for the state or teachers' union) and HRIS/Technology (managing systems for a large employer) command a 15-20% premium. Talent Acquisition for hard-to-fill roles in healthcare or specialized state positions is another high-demand area.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is HR Assistant → HR Generalist → HR Manager → Director/CHRO. The jump from Generalist to Manager often requires a certification (PHR/SHRM-CP) and 5+ years of experience. Moving from Manager to Director usually means 10+ years and a move to a larger employer like APFC or a state department head office.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is stable, not explosive. Over the next decade, expect more HR roles in healthcare (aging population) and renewable energy/tech (as the state diversifies). The public sector will remain the bedrock. For you, this means steady opportunities for advancement, but you must be proactive about seeking promotions and additional responsibilities. The small job market means you can become a known expert, which is a powerful advantage.

The Verdict: Is Juneau city and Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Dominated by government and healthcare, offering excellent job security.	High Cost of Living: Rent and groceries are steep, offsetting the lack of state income tax.
Median Salary Aligns with National: $67,995 is competitive when adjusted for no state tax.	Limited Housing Market: Inventory is low, and buying a home is a significant financial challenge.
Unique Professional Network: Small community means you can build strong, lasting connections.	Isolation & Weather: Long, dark winters and geographic isolation can be challenging for some.
Meaningful Work: HR roles here directly impact public service and community well-being.	Limited Specialization Opportunities: Fewer niche HR roles compared to large metropolitan areas.
Outdoor Recreation Paradise: Unmatched access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife.	Seasonal Economy: Tourism bumps can create temporary housing/commute issues.

Final Recommendation: Juneau is an excellent fit for an HR Specialist who values job security, community, and a meaningful public-sector career over rapid corporate advancement. It’s ideal if you’re willing to embrace a smaller, tighter-knit professional world and the outdoors. If you’re looking for a dynamic, high-growth corporate HR scene with multiple Fortune 500 options, you may find Juneau limiting. For the right person, it’s a place to build a stable, fulfilling career and a life rich with natural beauty.

FAQs

Q: Is it difficult to find a job as an HR Specialist in Juneau without prior Alaskan experience?
A: It can be, but it’s not impossible. The key is to highlight skills relevant to public sector or healthcare HR (e.g., regulatory compliance, benefits administration for large groups, unionized environments). Start applying 3-4 months before your planned move, and be open to contract or temporary roles to get your foot in the door.

Q: What’s the hiring timeline for state and CBJ jobs?
A: It’s notoriously slow. From application to offer can take 2-4 months, sometimes longer. The process involves multiple review panels and background checks. Patience is a requirement.

Q: Do I need a car in Juneau?
A: It depends on your neighborhood. If you live and work downtown, you can manage without one, especially with a good rain jacket. In the Valley or Douglas, a car is highly recommended, though the bus system (Capital Transit) is decent.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to Anchorage?
A: Juneau is generally more expensive for housing and groceries, but slightly less for utilities. Anchorage offers more shopping and dining options, which can lower some costs, but the overall difference is not dramatic. Your salary will go slightly further in Anchorage, but the lifestyle is different.

Q: What’s the best way to network in Juneau’s small HR community?
A: Join the local AKSHRM chapter and attend their events. Also, connect with HR professionals on LinkedIn and mention your interest in moving to Juneau. Many are happy to offer virtual coffee chats. The Juneau Chamber of Commerce also hosts mixers that are worth attending if you’re already in town for a visit.