Human Resources Specialist in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Redmond isn't just the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" or the home of Microsoft—it's a high-stakes job market with a cost of living to match. For Human Resources Specialists, the financial reality is a mix of competitive pay and a steep entry price. The median salary here is $70,288/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.79/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $67,650/year, but that premium is quickly absorbed by the local economy. The metro area supports about 160 jobs for HR Specialists, a small but stable pool in a region dominated by tech and biotech giants.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level, based on local market data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries salary surveys.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Local Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Senior-Level	8-14 years	$80,000 - $95,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$95,000 - $115,000+

When you compare Redmond to other Washington cities, its position is clear. Seattle, with its massive corporate HQs, offers higher potential top-end salaries but also fiercer competition. Tacoma and Spokane have lower median salaries ($62,000 - $66,000), but their housing costs are significantly more affordable. Bellevue, directly adjacent to Redmond, is a direct competitor; salaries are similar, but Bellevue's downtown core offers more high-rise corporate jobs. Redmond’s 10-year job growth for HR roles is projected at 8%, slightly outpacing the national average, driven by the continued expansion of the tech and life sciences sectors in the Eastside corridor.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base $70,288 median. In Redmond, total compensation often includes strong benefits packages—especially at major tech employers—which can add 15-25% in value through stock options, bonuses, and superior health plans.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Calculating net take-home pay requires estimating Washington State taxes (no state income tax, but high sales and property taxes) and the crushing cost of rent. For an HR Specialist earning the median $70,288/year:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,857
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, FICA, State Disability): ~$1,100/month
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,757/month

Now, subtract the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Redmond, which is $1,864/month. This leaves you with approximately $2,893/month for all other expenses. That’s livable, but tight.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $70,288/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	Average for Redmond proper. Cheaper in Kirkland/Bothell.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, gas, internet.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at QFC, Safeway, or Trader Joe's.
Transportation	$250	Car payment/insurance, OR a monthly ORCA card for bus/light rail.
Healthcare	$150	Copays, premiums if not fully covered.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Redmond's food scene is pricey.
Savings/Debt	$783	Leftover for savings, student loans, etc.
Total	$3,897	Leaves a small buffer for unexpected costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Redmond is over $1.2 million. With a $70,288 salary, you would need a substantial down payment (20% = $240,000) and would likely face a mortgage payment of $4,500+/month, which is unsustainable on a single $70,288 income. Buying a home in Redmond is typically a two-income household endeavor or requires reaching an expert-level salary. Renting is the standard reality for most mid-level specialists.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s job market is a duopoly of tech and biotech, with a few major players dominating the landscape. HR Specialists are in high demand to support these growing, complex organizations. Here’s a look at the key employers:

1. Microsoft: The elephant in the room. With over 50,000 employees in the Redmond campus, they have a massive internal HR infrastructure. They hire for generalist roles and specialized tracks in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR business partnering. Hiring trends are stable but competitive; they look for candidates with experience in large, matrixed organizations.

2. Genentech: A leader in biotechnology, with a major manufacturing and R&D facility in nearby Bothell (a very short commute). They offer stable, well-paying HR roles with a focus on compliance, labor relations, and supporting a highly educated workforce. The industry is growing, and HR is considered a critical function.

3. Sammamish Mortgage: A large regional lender headquartered in Redmond. They offer HR roles in a more traditional corporate setting, focusing on benefits administration, compliance, and recruitment for financial services. It’s a great stepping stone for those not in tech.

4. EvergreenHealth: Based in Kirkland, this major hospital system serves the entire Eastside. They have a constant need for HR Specialists, especially in healthcare-specific compliance, labor relations (unionized environment), and recruiting for clinical staff. It’s a stable, recession-resistant employer.

5. Nintendo of America: While their headquarters are in Redmond, their focus is on marketing, sales, and support. They have a corporate HR team that handles employee relations, culture initiatives, and recruitment for the North American division. A unique employer for those interested in the gaming/entertainment sector.

6. AT&T (Formerly DirecTV): Has a significant customer service and corporate office presence in nearby Bellevue. They hire HR Specialists for large-scale recruitment, call center labor relations, and benefits administration.

Insider Tip: Many smaller tech startups in the "Innovation District" near downtown Redmond also hire HR Generalists. These roles offer more breadth and visibility but may come with less stability and lower initial pay.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State does not require a state-specific license to practice as an HR Specialist. However, professional certification is highly valued and often expected for advancement. The primary paths are:

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP: Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. The cost is approximately $410 for non-members (plus exam fee) and $300 for members. Study time is typically 2-3 months.
• PHR or SPHR: Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Costs are similar, around $395 for the PHR exam. Study commitments are comparable.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1: Choose your certification (SHRM is more popular in the corporate/tech world, HRCI is also respected). Join your local SHRM chapter (SHRM of Seattle/Puget Sound).
2. Months 2-4: Study using official guides and online courses. Many employers in Redmond offer tuition reimbursement for this.
3. Month 5: Schedule and take the exam. No state-specific Washington laws are tested, but you should familiarize yourself with Washington State’s unique labor laws (e.g., Paid Family & Medical Leave, minimum wage laws, which are higher than federal).

There are no state licensing boards for HR, so your path is defined by voluntary certification and on-the-job experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Where you live in Redmond will directly impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by SR-520, and neighborhoods vary significantly.

1. Downtown Redmond: The urban core. Walkable to restaurants, the Redmond Central Connector trail, and the transit center. This is where you’ll find newer apartment complexes and the highest rent. Commute: Easy to Microsoft campus or downtown Bellevue via bus. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400/month for a 1BR.

2. Overlake/ SE Redmond: The tech corridor. Home to Microsoft, Genentech, and many other tech offices. This area is more car-centric, with strip malls and office parks. You get a shorter commute but less neighborhood charm. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most tech HQs. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200/month.

3. Kirkland (Juanita/Woodinville): Technically a different city, but a 5-10 minute drive north. Offers a classic Pacific Northwest feel with a lakefront, more green space, and slightly older, more established housing. Commute: 15-20 minutes to Redmond campus. Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,300/month.

4. Bellevue (Crossroads/NE 8th): To the south. A major urban center with its own downtown, more diversity, and a vibrant food scene. Commute against traffic if you work in Redmond. Commute: 15-25 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,950 - $2,500/month.

5. Sammamish: To the east. A sprawling, affluent suburb with top-rated schools and large single-family homes. Almost exclusively residential, with minimal commercial centers. Commute: 20-30 minutes (can be longer with traffic). Rent Estimate: $2,400+ for a 1BR (fewer rentals available).

Insider Tip: Traffic on SR-520 and I-405 is notoriously bad. If you work at Microsoft in Redmond, living north (Kirkland) or east (Sammamish) is often better than living south (Bellevue) to avoid the worst of the southbound morning commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% 10-year job growth is promising, but your trajectory depends on specialization. In Redmond, certain HR niches command a premium:

• HR Business Partner (HRBP) for Tech: Deeply understanding agile teams, engineering culture, and stock-based compensation. Premium: +15-20% over generalist roles.
• Talent Acquisition for High-Volume/Technical Roles: Recruiting software engineers or biotech researchers. Premium: +10-15%.
• Compensation & Benefits: Specializing in complex pay structures and equity plans. Premium: +10-20%. This is critical in the tech sector.
• HR Technology/Systems: Managing HRIS platforms like Workday or Oracle. Premium: +10-15%.

Advancement Path:

1. Entry-Level: HR Coordinator/Generalist ($55K - $65K)
2. Mid-Level: HR Specialist (Talent, Comp, Employee Relations) or HRBP ($65K - $80K)
3. Senior-Level: Senior HRBP or Manager ($80K - $95K)
4. Expert-Level: Director of HR, Head of People ($95K - $150K+)

10-Year Outlook: The growth will be in data-driven HR and employee experience. Professionals who can leverage analytics to improve retention and engagement will be most valuable. The rise of remote/hybrid work models will also create new challenges and opportunities in policy, compliance, and culture-building for HR leaders.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Salaries: $70,288 median is above average.	High Cost of Living: Rent ($1,864) and home prices are prohibitive.
Specialized Job Market: Focused on top-tier tech & biotech.	Competitive & Niche: Fewer generalist roles; you must specialize.
Stable Growth: 8% job growth indicates a healthy market.	Traffic & Commutes: The Eastside corridor is notoriously congested.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unbeatable access to trails, lakes, and mountains.	Cultural Homogeneity: It's a very affluent, suburban, and tech-focused area.
No State Income Tax: Keeps your $33.79/hour rate higher.	"Tech Bubble" Risk: Over-reliance on a single industry can be volatile.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for HR Specialists who are mid-career or looking to specialize, particularly in tech, biotech, or compensation. It's ideal for those who value career growth over immediate homeownership and thrive in a fast-paced, corporate environment. However, it is not recommended for entry-level professionals on a single income, or for those seeking a diverse, urban, or arts-focused community. If you can secure a role at the $80,000+ level and partner with a dual-income household, Redmond offers a rewarding career and an unparalleled Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: Is the salary of $70,288 enough for a family in Redmond?
A: It's very challenging on a single income. With a median 1BR rent of $1,864, a family would need a larger space, pushing rent to $2,500+. A dual-income household with a combined income of $140,000+ is more realistic for supporting a family in Redmond.

Q: Do I need to work at Microsoft to have a good HR career in Redmond?
A: Absolutely not. While Microsoft is a major employer, Genentech, Sammamish Mortgage, and the healthcare system offer excellent, stable careers. Many HR professionals work for smaller tech firms or in consulting, serving multiple clients across the Eastside.

Q: How competitive is the job market for HR Specialists?
A: It's competitive for the best roles. With only 160 jobs in the metro, openings at top employers like Microsoft or Genentech attract hundreds of applicants. Having a certification (SHRM-CP) and tech industry experience significantly boosts your chances.

Q: What’s the commute like from Seattle to Redmond?
A: Difficult. The SR-520 bridge has a toll and is a major congestion point. A 15-mile commute can take 45-60 minutes each way during peak traffic. Many people choose to live on the Eastside to avoid this daily grind.

Q: Are there remote HR jobs based in Redmond?
A: Yes, especially post-2020. Many Redmond-based companies hire HR professionals to support remote or hybrid teams. This can be a great way to access the Redmond job market while living in a more affordable area, though commuting into the office 1-2 days a week is still common.