Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Salary in the United States

How will Professional in Human Resources (PHR) impact your salary in the United States?


The average salary for someone with a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in the United States is between $56,550 and $118,962 as of May 01, 2026. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual position requiring a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) that you are looking for. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

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Base Salary

Core compensation

$56,550
$118,962
$87,756
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Why get a Professional in Human Resources (PHR)?

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is a widely recognized certification for human resources practitioners. The PHR certification covers the basic knowledge and skill base for an HR professional including employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, rewards, learning and development, employment laws and regulations.

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Advisory HR Business Partner
Alternate Job Titles: Advisory HR Business Partner | HRBP III | Human Resources Business Partner III | People Operations Business Partner III | POBP III

Provides human resources (HR) consultation to a designated business unit. Uses working knowledge of the business to provide HR support and guidance. Partners directly with business leaders to define and execute HR strategies that align with business objectives and key initiatives. Analyzes trends and develops strategies to resolve HR issues and make a positive impact on business results. Leads organizational assessments that convert strategies in... View job details


Employee Relations Specialist II
Alternate Job Titles: Employee Relations/Shared Services Representative II | Intermediate Employee Relations Specialist

Administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations. Researches and analyzes data pertaining to human resources. Implements programs to increase employee satisfaction. Helps identify and analyze any employee relations issues and possible resolutions. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in sever... View job details


Employee Relations Specialist III
Alternate Job Titles: Employee Relations/Shared Services Representative III | Senior Employee Relations Specialist

Designs and administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations. Researches and analyzes data pertaining to human resources. Helps develop and implement programs aimed at increasing employee satisfaction. Identifies and analyzes complex employee relations issues and possible resolutions. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex a... View job details


Employee Relations Specialist IV
Alternate Job Titles: Employee Relations/Shared Services Representative IV | Team Lead Employee Relations Specialist

Designs and administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations. Researches and analyzes data pertaining to human resources. Helps develop programs throughout the organization aimed at increasing employee satisfaction. Identifies and analyzes complex employee relations issues and provides recommendations for resolutions. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. A... View job details


Employee Relations/Shared Services Representative II
Alternate Job Titles: Employee Relations/Shared Services Representative II | Intermediate Employee Relations Specialist

Administers human resources policies and procedures that pertain to employee relations. Researches and analyzes data pertaining to human resources. Implements programs to increase employee satisfaction. Helps identify and analyze any employee relations issues and possible resolutions. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in sever... View job details


About Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Does having a PHR make a difference in pay and career progression?

Based on job posting data, most employers prefer or strongly prefer candidates for HR roles to have some type of a human resources certification, with the PHR certification mentioned frequently as preferred. Candidates with a certification give employers the assurance that a certain level of knowledge and skills has been attained. Studies have estimated that pay levels could be up to 3% higher for those with the PHR.

Who grants the PHR certification?

HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is a respected nonprofit organization focused on HR professional accredited certifications.

What are the requirements for a PHR Certification?

Candidates for the PHR certification must have required a combination of years of experience and education an pass a rigorous exam.
Either one year professional HR experience plus a Master's degree, or two years of professional HR experience plus a Bachelor's degree, or four years of professional HR experience ply a high school diploma.

What preparation is recommended for the PHR exam?

The PHR exam is a computer-based exam consisting of 150 questions which are mostly multiple choice. You are allowed 3 hours to complete the exam. Prior to taking the exam, candidates may prepare using one of the numerous resources that are available. There are various self-study options with online practice exams as well as study schedules that can help you prepare for the exam.

How much does it cost to obtain PHR certification?

The PHR exam fee is $395 and the Application fee is $100. The exam prep materials are more economical if purchased in a bundle together with the exam fees. Prices range from $75 for a practice exam to complete programs costing between $400 to $895 up to $1200 for a non-bundled prep course.
Job Openings for Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Marion County Health and Human Services | SALEM , OR

The Marion County Behavioral Health Division is seeking an experienced Outpatient Psychiatrist to provide psychiatric services for at least 16 hours per we... more

806 days ago

Bethany on the Lake | ALEXANDRIA , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

9 days ago

Focus Staff | GEORGETOWN , TX

Start your next rewarding travel Labor and Delivery (L&D) RN assignment with Focus Staff in Georgetown, TX. Bring your expertise and passion for maternal a... more

9 days ago

Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center | MANKATO , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

13 days ago

Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center | MANKATO , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

13 days ago

North Shore Estates | DULUTH , MN

Monarch Healthcare Management Benefits Include. UKG Wallet - get paid the next day. Free Single Medical Insurance. Loan reimbursement. Scholarship Opportun... more

14 days ago

Via Christi Village Hays | HAYS , KS

Registered Nurse (RN) - Exceptional Care and Leadership Opportunity. Position Description. As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will play a pivotal role in our ... more

18 days ago

Memorial Health System | NEW BERLIN , IL

\*\*\*Sign-on Bonuses up to $30,000.00\*\*\. \*\*\*FULL-TIME DAYS/ NO WEEKENDS\*\*\. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital - Outpatient - PELVIC FLOOR THERAPIST O... more

20 days ago

Memorial Health System | MACOMB , IL

\*\*\*Sign-on Bonuses up to $30,000.00\*\*\. \*\*\*FULL-TIME DAYS/ NO WEEKENDS\*\*\. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital - Outpatient - PELVIC FLOOR THERAPIST O... more

20 days ago