As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Lead in the United States is $100,146 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Human Resources Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Resources Lead'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 Lead'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Lead | $87,485 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Lead | $105,559 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Lead | $102,785 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Lead | $120,135 |
| Associate... Level Human Resources Lead | $150,594 |
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 Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.65% |
| Talent Acquisition | 2.5% |
| PowerPoint | 1.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$111,162 |
11%
|
|
Commitment
|
$108,158 |
8%
|
|
Logistics
|
$107,156 |
7%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$107,156 |
7%
|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$106,155 |
6%
|
|
Change Management
|
$106,155 |
6%
|
For Human Resources Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Human Resources Lead positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Resources Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $120,175 | $58.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources Leads 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 Lead with a Bachelor's Degree is between $104,421 and $113,113).
Human Resources Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.3% |
| High School | 12.9% |
| Associates | 13.5% |
| Bachelors | 49.7% |
| Masters | 21.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Human Resources Lead'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, 2026Salaries for a Human Resources Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $88,253 in 2023 to around $88,831 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Human Resources Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $88,253 |
| 2024 | $89,177 |
| 2025 | $88,831 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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