Recruiter / Talent Acquisition Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$70,000
national median salary
$52,000 to $92,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$98,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$73,000
Portland, OR
Lowest Paying
$54,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Recruiter / Talent Acquisition salary in the United States is $70,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $52,000 at the 25th percentile to $92,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $98,000, while Portland offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Specialization drives recruiter pay more than tenure.
Recruiter / Talent Acquisition salary by city
What you should know
Specialization drives recruiter pay more than tenure. Technical recruiters filling engineering and data science roles earn 20 to 35% more than generalist recruiters. Agency recruiters have higher upside through commissions, while corporate recruiters benefit from more stable base salaries and better benefits packages.
Recruiting coordinators start at $42,000 to $52,000. Full-cycle recruiters earn $60,000 to $80,000, while senior technical recruiters reach $85,000 to $110,000. Talent acquisition managers and directors earn $110,000 to $160,000, overseeing hiring strategy and team performance.
Commission structures vary widely. Agency recruiters can earn 15 to 25% of placed candidates' first-year salary as commission. Corporate recruiters receive 5 to 15% annual bonuses, with some firms offering per-hire bonuses of $500 to $2,000.