Where AI can help
AI can organize documentation and draft communications.
Business · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Human Resources Specialists
Support recruitment, records and people processes. The role requires communication, organization and care with sensitive information.
Observed AI exposureNot measured in this editionAnthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection+6.4%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- 02
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- 03
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- 04
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- 05
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
An example of an output
A documented selection process with consistent criteria and participant communication.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
HR teams and recruitment companies. Processes vary by region, industry and organizational size.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$81,990
Median annual pay$75,940
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$47,180
90th percentile$128,720
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025939,700
Projected openings per year73,700
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Selection criteria, sensitive information and decisions about people require responsible review.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Design a fictional selection process with work-related criteria and structured questions.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Interviewingorganizationconfidentialitypolicy interpretation
Tools you may encounter
HR systems · recruiting platforms · spreadsheets and interviews
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$75,550 Mean annual pay
Training and Development Specialists ↗
Identifying team needs can support learning programs.
- What you can carry over
- Interviewing and organizational knowledge
- What you would need to learn
- Facilitation and learning design
What to consider
You need to demonstrate delivery and assessment, not just organization.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Design a fictional selection process with work-related criteria and structured questions.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Human Resources SpecialistsSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 13-1071.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗