As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Manager in the United States is $123,228 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Human Resources Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Generalist IV | 7+ years | $108,277 |
| Human Resources Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,431 |
| Human Resources Manager | 7+ years | $123,228 |
| Associate Human Resources Director | 7+ years | $154,471 |
| Human Resources Director | 7+ years | $173,243 |
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 Human Resources 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
|
$128,157 |
4%
|
|
Change Management
|
$128,157 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$126,925 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$126,925 |
3%
|
|
Team Management
|
$126,925 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$126,925 |
3%
|
Human Resources Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,829. While startup companies pay approximate $116,563.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $116,563 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $123,283 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $133,101 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $137,829 |
For Human Resources 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, Human Resources Manager positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Resources Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $160,196 | $77.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $154,035 | $74.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $147,874 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $145,409 | $70.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $141,712 | $68.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources 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 Human Resources Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,932 and $123,691).
Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Human Resources 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Human Resources Director | $154,471 | 25% |
| International Human Resources Manager | $142,971 | 16% |
Salaries for a Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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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A Human Resources Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Human Resources Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Human Resources Manager is $155,427.
The highest pay for Human Resources Manager is $140,546.
The lowest pay for Human Resources Manager is $97,567.
Develops human resources policies and programs and directs the staff in managing and implementing programs that support employee engagement, productivity, and company objectives. Manages key HR functions, including recruiting, employee/labor relations, health and safety, compensation, benefits, training, diversity, payroll, and employee records. Develops and delivers internal staff communications. Evaluates, selects, and manages relationships with vendors to provide supplemental HR processes and services. Maintains employee records of pay, benefits, accidents, performance, and other activities and files reporting required to comply with labor laws and regulations. Collaborates with leadership on special projects. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Resources Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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