Human Resources Specialist in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As a local Puebloan who’s watched the job market here for years, I can tell you that Human Resources Specialists in our city have a solid, stable earning potential that’s boosted by a lower cost of living. Let’s get straight to the numbers that matter.

The median salary for an HR Specialist in Pueblo is $66,107/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.78. This is slightly below the national average of $67,650/year, a gap you’ll see in many non-metro markets, but the trade-off in affordability is significant (more on that later). The local job market for this role is modest but consistent, with 222 jobs currently in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. While not explosive, this growth indicates a healthy, sustained need for HR professionals, particularly as Pueblo’s largest employers continue to expand and modernize their operations.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Pueblo market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $58,000	Benefits administration, payroll support, onboarding paperwork, initial employee inquiries.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	Full-cycle recruitment, employee relations, compliance assistance, training coordination.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Strategic HR planning, complex labor relations, policy development, department management.
Expert/Managerial (15+ years)	$85,000 - $100,000+	HR Director roles, executive-level advising, large-scale program implementation.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Pueblo offers a different value proposition. You’ll earn less than in Denver or Colorado Springs, but you're also not competing with their housing costs. For instance, an HR Specialist in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area might see a median salary closer to $78,000, but the average rent for a 1BR is over $1,800. In Pueblo, with an average 1BR rent of $881/month, your paycheck stretches much further. Colorado Springs is a closer geographic and economic neighbor; salaries there are typically 10-15% higher than in Pueblo, but housing costs are also about 20-25% higher. For an HR professional who values a manageable commute and a strong sense of community, Pueblo’s salary-to-cost-of-living ratio is one of its strongest selling points.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s translate that median salary into a monthly reality. This is where Pueblo’s affordability truly shines. Using the median salary of $66,107/year ($31.78/hour), here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown after taxes and rent. (Note: Taxes are estimated for a single filer with standard deductions; your personal situation will vary.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an HR Specialist in Pueblo:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,509	$66,107 / 12 months
Federal & State Taxes	~$1,100	Approx. 20% effective tax rate for this bracket.
Take-Home Pay	~$4,409	This is your net income.
Rent (1BR Average)	$881	The citywide average; varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity, gas, water, trash. Pueblo’s climate means higher cooling/heating costs.
Auto Insurance & Gas	$250	Pueblo is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries	$350	A reasonable budget for one person shopping at local stores like Safeway or the Pueblo Farmers Market.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer; this is a common premium share.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$500	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,431
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$1,978	A very healthy surplus for a single person.

Insider Tip: The cost of living index for Pueblo is 92.4 (US average = 100). This means your dollar goes about 7.6% further than the national average. The single biggest factor is housing. That $881 average rent leaves you with significant financial breathing room compared to larger metros.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Let's run the numbers. With ~$1,978 left over each month, you could comfortably save $1,000/month for a down payment. In 2 years, that's $24,000. In Pueblo’s market, that’s a substantial down payment on a starter home. The median home price in Pueblo County hovers around $280,000. A $250,000 home with a $24,000 down payment (9.6%) would give you a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance) of roughly $1,600/month. This is about 18% of your gross monthly income, which is well within the comfortable range. In many larger cities, that same mortgage payment would be 30-40%+ of income. Pueblo remains a market where homeownership is a realistic goal for single professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo’s economy is anchored by a mix of healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and public sector jobs. HR Specialists are critical in all of these sectors. Here are the major employers you should target:

1. Parkview Health System & St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center (Centura Health): The two hospital systems are among Pueblo’s largest employers. They have constant needs for HR professionals to manage a large, diverse workforce. Hiring trends show a strong focus on recruiters who can fill clinical positions (nurses, technicians) and on HR Generalists who can handle the complexities of healthcare union contracts and compliance. Parkview’s main campus is on the city’s medical corridor off 6th Street, while St. Mary-Corwin is centrally located in the Union Plaza area.

2. Pueblo School District 60 & 70: With over 20,000 students combined, the school districts are massive HR operations. They hire for roles focused on recruitment (especially for hard-to-fill positions like special education and STEM teachers), benefits administration for educators, and compliance with state education regulations. The districts often post jobs on the Pueblo County School District 70 website and Pueblo School District 60’s portal. These are stable, unionized environments with clear HR career tracks.

3. Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo): The university is a key employer and a hub for professional development. Their HR department handles faculty, staff, and student employment. Hiring trends here favor candidates with experience in higher education HR, particularly in areas like Title IX compliance, academic labor relations, and benefits for a highly educated workforce. They also offer tuition benefits, which is a huge perk for those looking to advance their own education.

4. Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel: This is Pueblo’s flagship industrial employer. It’s a massive steel mill and rail manufacturing facility. The HR needs here are specialized: safety training coordination, labor relations with the United Steelworkers, payroll for a shift-based workforce, and recruitment for skilled trades. It’s a challenging but rewarding environment for an HR Specialist who wants to work in a complex, heavy-industry setting. The facility is located on the city’s east side.

5. Pueblo County Government: The city and county governments are stable employers with needs in HR for their own employees and for managing contracts and grants. The Pueblo County Department of Human Resources often posts jobs for HR Analyst, Benefits Coordinator, and HR Manager roles. The work is focused on public sector regulations and a wide range of employee types.

6. Fort Carson (Gateway Area): While the base itself is in El Paso County, the surrounding community, including Pueblo, is deeply connected to its economy. Many spouses of military personnel find HR roles in Pueblo’s civilian sector. Base contractors and businesses that serve the military population are always hiring HR professionals, especially those with security clearance experience or an understanding of federal employment regulations.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers have active LinkedIn pages where they post jobs. Set up alerts for “Human Resources” and “Pueblo, CO.” Also, Pueblo’s jobs website (pueblojobs.org) is a local aggregator that pulls from these major employers.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not require a state-specific license to practice as an HR Specialist. The field is generally unlicensed, relying instead on professional certifications and education. However, there are credentials that are highly valued and can set you apart in the Pueblo market.

Key Certifications & Requirements:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or SHRM-CP: Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), respectively. These are the national gold standards. In Pueblo, having a PHR or SHRM-CP is a strong differentiator, especially for mid- to senior-level roles. It signals that you understand the complex web of federal and state employment laws.
• Cost & Timeline: Exam fees range from $300 to $495 (depending on SHRM vs. HRCI and member/non-member status). Study materials and prep courses can add $200 - $800. Most candidates spend 3-6 months studying, assuming they have the required professional experience (e.g., 2 years for the PHR). The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers, with one in Colorado Springs, about a 45-minute drive from Pueblo.
• Colorado-Specific Knowledge: While you don’t need a license, you must know Colorado-specific employment laws. These include:
  • Colorado’s Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order (COMPS Order): Which covers wage and hour rules for non-exempt employees.
  • Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act: A robust law with strict requirements for salary transparency and pay equity.
  • Pueblo-Specific Ordinances: Be aware of local laws, such as a potential sick leave ordinance (check the City of Pueblo’s website for current ordinances).

Insider Tip: The Pueblo Human Resources Association (PHRA) is an active local SHRM chapter. Membership is a must for networking, accessing local legal updates, and finding jobs. Their meetings are often held at local restaurants or the CSU Pueblo campus. It’s the best way to get connected.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Pueblo’s neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles and commute times. For an HR professional, proximity to major employment centers (hospitals, schools, downtown offices) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown / Union Plaza	Urban, walkable, historic. Easy commute to Pueblo County Gov’t, St. Mary-Corwin, and many downtown offices. Parking can be a challenge.	$750 - $950	Young professionals who want restaurants, breweries (like the Brues Alehouse), and events (like the Chile & Frijoles Festival) at their doorstep.
The Bessemer / El Camino	Mid-century suburban. Quiet, tree-lined streets. A 10-15 minute commute to most major employers. Near the Pueblo Mall and shopping centers.	$800 - $1,000	Those seeking a more traditional, family-friendly environment with more space and easy parking.
South Side (Off 4th Street)	Growing, diverse, and affordable. Close to Parkview Medical Center and the Pueblo Memorial Airport. A bit further from downtown but has its own commercial strip.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious professionals and those who work at Parkview or in the city’s southside businesses.
Pueblo West	A separate incorporated community about 15 minutes west of downtown. Newer construction, master-planned, with a suburban feel. Requires a car for everything.	$900 - $1,100 (for 1BR/2BR)	HR professionals who want a quieter, more residential feel with modern amenities, and don’t mind a short highway commute.
University Park / CSU Pueblo Area	Collegiate atmosphere, mix of students and professionals. Close to CSU Pueblo and the Arkansas River Trail. Quiet and green.	$850 - $1,000	Those who work at or want to take classes at CSU Pueblo, or who enjoy outdoor activities like biking and walking along the river.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Pueblo is not a major issue. The main congestion is at the I-25 and 6th Street interchange during rush hour. If you work at St. Mary-Corwin or downtown, living in Bessemer or the South Side will give you a reverse commute, which is almost always faster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pueblo, career growth for HR Specialists is often about depth rather than a rapid climb up a corporate ladder. The path typically involves gaining expertise in a specific niche and then transitioning into a specialist or managerial role within the same sector.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Labor Relations: In a union-heavy environment (steel, hospitals, schools), HR professionals with labor relations experience are in high demand. This could add a $5,000 - $10,000 premium to your salary. The path is HR Generalist -> HR Business Partner (with union focus) -> Labor Relations Specialist.
• Recruitment (Sourcing): Specializing in clinical or skilled-trade recruitment for hospitals or the steel mill is another valuable niche. Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and sourcing tools is key. An ATS implementation could be a project that gets you noticed.
• HR Information Systems (HRIS): As employers modernize, there’s a growing need for HRIS analysts. If you have experience with systems like ADP, Paylocity, or BambooHR, you can position yourself for a higher salary. The path is HR Coordinator -> HRIS Coordinator -> HRIS Analyst.

10-Year Outlook:
The projected 8% job growth is steady. The demand will be driven by:

1. Healthcare Expansion: As Parkview and St. Mary-Corwin continue to expand services, they will need more HR support.
2. Economic Diversification: Efforts to attract new businesses (like in the advanced manufacturing or renewable energy sectors) will create new HR needs.
3. Workforce Development: With an aging workforce and a need to upskill, HR will play a critical role in training and development programs.

Insider Tip: The most successful HR professionals in Pueblo often build long-term relationships. They are visible in the community, volunteer with organizations like the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce or the United Way of Pueblo County, and are active in the Pueblo Human Resources Association. This network is your best tool for advancement.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Making a move is a big decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of being an HR Specialist in Pueblo.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Affordability: Your salary of $66,107 goes much further than in Denver or Colorado Springs. Homeownership is a real possibility.	Limited Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries for HR roles are capped compared to larger metros. A Pueblo HR Director may earn $85,000, while the same role in Denver could command $120,000+.
Stable Job Market: With 222 jobs and 8% growth, the market is reliable, especially in healthcare, education, and public sectors.	Smaller Professional Network: Networking opportunities are fewer and more focused. You won’t have the same volume of industry events as in a major city.
Manageable Commute & Traffic: You can live almost anywhere and be at work in 15-20 minutes.	Cultural & Entertainment Options: While Pueblo has a vibrant arts scene and great restaurants, it lacks the scale of museums, theaters, and concerts found in larger cities.
Strong Sense of Community: Pueblo has a tight-knit, neighborly feel. You can build a meaningful reputation and be recognized for your work.	Weather & Air Quality: Pueblo’s high desert climate means hot summers and inversions in winter that can trap air pollution. The wind is also a constant factor.
Outdoor Access: The Arkansas River Trail, Lake Pueblo State Park, and the nearby Wet Mountains offer great outdoor recreation.	Educational Gaps: For continuing education, you may need to travel to Colorado Springs or online, as local options are limited beyond CSU Pueblo.

Final Recommendation:

Pueblo is an excellent choice for a Human Resources Specialist who:

• Prioritizes financial stability and homeownership over maximizing salary.
• Values a close-knit community and a manageable pace of life.
• Wants to work in stable, mission-driven industries (healthcare, education, public service).
• Is