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VP of Human Resources Salary in the United States

How much does a VP of Human Resources make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of Human Resources in the United States is $197,962 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.

However, a VP of Human Resources's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $235,199
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,286 to $217,453
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $169,924
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence VP of Human Resources Salaries

A VP of Human Resources'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.

How Experience Level Affects VP of Human Resources Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a VP of Human Resources'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:

  • Associate Human Resources Director (5+ years): $154,486
  • Human Resources Director (5+ years): $173,260
  • VP of Human Resources (5+ years): $197,962
  • SVP of Human Resources (5+ years): $229,630
  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) (5+ years): $350,014
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Associate Human Resources Director5+ years$154,486
Human Resources Director5+ years$173,260
VP of Human Resources5+ years$197,962
SVP of Human Resources5+ years$229,630
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)5+ years$350,014
View as Graph

How Do VP of Human Resources Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 VP of Human Resources. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $219,184.
  • California: $218,352.
  • Massachusetts: $215,442.

Top Paying Cities for VP of Human Resources

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $249,689
  • San Francisco: $246,956
  • Oakland: $241,751

VP of Human Resources Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

VP of Human Resources salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $221,607. While startup companies pay approximate $187,474.

VP of Human Resources Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $187,474
Growth Stage 51~500 $198,276
Established 501~5000 $214,001
Enterprise 5000+ $221,607

VP of Human Resources Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For VP of Human Resources 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, VP of Human Resources positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of Human Resources as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a VP of Human Resources

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$257,351$124.030%
Biotechnology$247,452$119.025%
Energy & Utilities$237,554$114.020%
Pharmaceuticals$237,554$114.020%
Software & Networking$237,554$114.020%

How Education impacts an VP of Human Resources's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many VP of Human Resources enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an VP of Human Resources with a Bachelor's Degree is between $231,156 and $248,847.

VP of Human Resources Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for VP of Human Resources
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%
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VP of Human Resources Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a VP of Human Resources'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, 2026
$183,286
Average $197,962/year
$217,453
$15,274
Average $16,497/month
$18,121
$3,525
Average $3,807/week
$4,182
$88
Average $95/hour
$105
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $217,453 $18,121 $4,182 $105
Average $197,962 $16,497 $3,807 $95
25th Percentile $183,286 $15,274 $3,525 $88

VP of Human Resources Salary Growth & Career Path

VP of Human Resources

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Advancement

For a VP of Human Resources, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the SVP of Human Resources role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $229,630 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for VP of Human Resources

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for VP of Human Resources

Here are companies hiring for VP of Human Resources and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about VP of Human Resources

1. Where can a VP of Human Resources earn the most?

A VP of Human Resources'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 VP of Human Resources earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a VP of Human Resources is $249,689.

2. What is the highest pay for VP of Human Resources?

The highest pay for VP of Human Resources is $235,199.

3. What is the lowest pay for VP of Human Resources?

The lowest pay for VP of Human Resources is $169,924.

4. What are the responsibilities of VP of Human Resources?

Plans and directs human resources policies, objectives, and initiatives for an organization. Implements and oversees one or more human resources functions, including talent acquisition, training, compensation, benefits, labor relations, and employee support services. Partners with leadership across the organization to ensure human resources programs are aligned with the organization's operational objectives, mission, and values. Identifies and explores trends in human resources to enhance the employee experience, meet evolving organizational needs, and create innovative programs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for VP of Human Resources?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for VP of Human Resources roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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