As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Top Division HR Executive in the United States is $197,970 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, a Top Division HR Executive's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Top Division HR Executive'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 Top Division HR Executive'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Director of Human Resources | 5+ years | $154,486 |
| Director of Human Resources | 5+ years | $173,260 |
| Top Division HR Executive | 5+ years | $197,962 |
| Senior Vice President of Human Resources | 5+ years | $229,630 |
| Chief People Officer | 5+ years | $350,014 |
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 Top Division HR Executives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Top Division HR Executive salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $221,616. While startup companies pay approximate $187,482.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $187,482 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $198,284 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $214,010 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $221,616 |
For Top Division HR Executive roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 68% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Top Division HR Executive positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Top Division HR Executive as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $257,361 | $124.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $247,462 | $119.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $237,564 | $114.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $237,564 | $114.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $237,564 | $114.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Top Division HR Executives 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 Top Division HR Executive with a Bachelor's Degree is between $230,011 and $247,613).
Top Division HR Executive Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 3.8% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 30.1% |
| Masters | 52.5% |
| Doctorate | 11.5% |
Understanding how a Top Division HR Executive'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, 2026For a Top Division HR Executive, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $229,643 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Top Division HR Executive can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $201,420 in 2023 to around $198,738 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Top Division HR Executive salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $201,420 |
| 2024 | $201,857 |
| 2025 | $198,738 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Top Division HR Executive roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The estimated total pay for a Head of Human Resources in the US ranges from $214,900 to $281,810 per year, with a mid-salary of $244,860. These figures reflect the salary range for top division HR executives, providing a clear picture of compensation in this role.
The Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) plays a crucial role in shaping HR strategy aligned with business goals, focusing on succession planning, talent management, and organizational performance. The salary for a CHRO typically ranges from $214,900 to $281,810, with a median salary of $244,860, reflecting the importance and complexity of the role in driving organizational success.
The salary for a Top Division HR Executive in New York ranges from a minimum of $214,900 to a maximum of $281,810, with a mid-salary of $244,860. This reflects the competitive compensation for HR leadership roles in the region, significantly higher than average HR director salaries.
The Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) plays a crucial role in shaping HR strategy aligned with business goals, focusing on succession planning, talent management, and organizational performance. The salary for a CHRO typically ranges from $214,900 to $281,810, with a mid-point salary of $244,860, reflecting the importance and complexity of the role in driving organizational success.
The salary for a Top Division HR Executive in the US ranges from $214,900 to $281,810, with a mid-salary of $244,860. This reflects the competitive compensation for such roles, highlighting the importance of HR leadership in organizations.
Top Division HR Executives earn significantly more than typical HR managers. Their salaries range from a minimum of $214,900 to a mid-level of $244,860, with top earners making up to $281,810 annually. This reflects the high demand and critical role these executives play in organizations.
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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