As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Personnel Manager in the United States is $123,240 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Personnel Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Personnel Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Personnel Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist - Project Lead | 7+ years | $108,268 |
| HR Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,439 |
| Personnel Manager | 7+ years | $123,240 |
| Deputy Director of Human Resources | 7+ years | $154,486 |
| Director of Human Resources | 7+ years | $173,260 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Personnel Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.1% |
| Microsoft Office | 3.15% |
| Benefit Administration | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$128,170 |
4%
|
|
Change Management
|
$128,170 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$126,937 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$126,937 |
3%
|
|
Team Management
|
$126,937 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$126,937 |
3%
|
Personnel Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,960. While startup companies pay approximate $116,711.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $116,711 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $123,436 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $133,225 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $137,960 |
For Personnel Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 67% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Personnel Manager positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Personnel Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $160,212 | $77.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $154,050 | $74.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $147,888 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $145,423 | $70.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $141,726 | $68.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Personnel Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Personnel Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,367 and $123,087).
Personnel Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 11.0% |
| Associates | 7.8% |
| Bachelors | 49.4% |
| Masters | 29.3% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Personnel Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Personnel Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Director of Human Resources | $154,490 | 25% |
| Global HR Manager | $143,000 | 16% |
Salaries for a Personnel Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,263 in 2023 to around $104,576 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Personnel Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,263 |
| 2024 | $105,635 |
| 2025 | $104,576 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Personnel Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Personnel managers play a crucial role in building and maintaining a skilled workforce. They are responsible for recruiting new talent, training employees, and providing ongoing support throughout their careers. By fostering positive work interactions and resolving conflicts, they enhance employee retention. The salary for personnel managers ranges from $108,800 to $137,560, with a median of $122,560.
A $100 hourly wage translates to an annual salary of approximately $208,000. In comparison, the salary range for a Personnel Manager is as follows: Minimum Salary is $108,800, Mid Salary is $122,560, and Maximum Salary is $137,560. This indicates that a $100 hourly wage exceeds the typical salary range for this position.
The Personnel Manager role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $108,800, a mid-range of $122,560, and a maximum of $137,560. While various management positions can be lucrative, the highest-paying roles typically include Chief Executive Officers and Financial Managers, among others.
The highest-paying HR position is the Chief HR Officer (CHRO), followed by HR Director and Compensation & Benefits Manager. The Personnel Manager role offers a salary range with a minimum of $108,800, a mid-point of $122,560, and a maximum of $137,560, making it a lucrative option within the HR field.
Yes, HR managers can make a six-figure income. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary for a Personnel Manager is $108,800, with a mid-range salary of $122,560 and a maximum of $137,560. This indicates that HR professionals in managerial roles can earn well over $100,000 annually.
The salary for a Personnel Manager in the USA ranges from a minimum of $108,800 to a maximum of $137,560, with a mid-salary of $122,560. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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