Employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 16 percent of human resources specialists work in the employment services industry, which includes employment placement agencies, temporary help services, and professional employer organizations. Employment growth in employment services is projected to be faster than the average as organizations continue to outsource human resources functions to professional employer organizations—companies that provide human resources services to client businesses.

Companies will need human resources specialists to find replacements for workers leaving the workforce. Organizations will likely need more human resources generalists to handle increasingly complex employment laws and healthcare coverage options.   

However, employment of human resources specialists will be tempered as companies make better use of available technologies. Rather than sending recruiters to colleges and job fairs, for example, some employers are increasingly conducting their entire recruiting process online. In addition, administrative tasks are more efficient with software that allows workers to quickly manage, process, or update human resources information. 

Job Prospects

Job prospects for human resources specialists are expected to be favorable. Specifically, job opportunities should be good in the employment services industry, as companies continue to outsource portions of their human resources functions to other firms. 

Overall, candidates with a bachelor's degree and professional certification should have the best job prospects.