Recruiter Salary Guide

Recruiters identify, attract, screen and hire talent for organizations. They manage the candidate lifecycle—from sourcing and interviewing to offer negotiation and onboarding—partnering with hiring managers to meet staffing needs and improve workforce quality.

What is the average Recruiter salary?

Entry Level

$45,000 - $60,000

Mid Level

$60,000 - $85,000

Senior Level

$85,000 - $130,000+

How does Recruiter salary grow with experience?

$45,000 - $60,000

0-1

$60,000 - $80,000

2-4

$80,000 - $105,000

5-7

$100,000 - $140,000++

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $140k

Recruiter salary by location

San Francisco, CA$75,000 - $140,000

New York City, NY$70,000 - $135,000

Seattle, WA$65,000 - $125,000

Austin, TX$55,000 - $100,000

Remote (U.S.)$50,000 - $115,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Recruiter's salary?

Industry and company size (tech and finance often pay premium)
Type of role (agency/contract vs in-house; technical vs non-technical recruiting)
Geographic location and cost of living
Performance incentives (commissions, bonuses) and equity availability
Specialized skills or clearances (technical sourcing, DEI expertise, security clearance)

Frequently Asked Questions About Recruiter Salaries

What is the average salary for a recruiter in the United States?

Average U.S. recruiter salaries vary by level: entry-level $45,000–60,000, mid-level $60,000–85,000, senior $85,000–130,000, depending on location and industry.

How does experience affect recruiter pay?

Experience raises base pay and total compensation: recruiters with 0–1 year earn entry-level ranges, 2–4 years reach mid-range, and 5+ years typically earn senior-level salaries plus higher bonuses or equity.

Do recruiters get bonuses or commission?

Yes. Many recruiters receive performance-based bonuses or commission tied to hires, retention, or hiring targets; agency recruiters often earn higher commission than in-house recruiters.

Which skills increase a recruiter's salary?

Skills that boost pay include technical sourcing, ATS and CRM expertise, employer branding, DEI recruiting, talent market mapping, and strong stakeholder management.