As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Leader in the United States is $126,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Human Resources Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Resources Leader'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 Leader'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 Leader | $109,046 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Leader | $106,077 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Leader | $123,971 |
| Associate... Level Human Resources Leader | $155,404 |
| Human Res... Level Human Resources Leader | $174,288 |
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 Leaders. 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
|
$131,145 |
4%
|
|
Change Management
|
$131,145 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$129,884 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$129,884 |
3%
|
|
Team Management
|
$129,884 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$129,884 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources Leaders 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 Leader with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,932 and $123,691).
Human Resources Leader 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 Leader'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Human Resources Leader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,964 in 2023 to around $105,266 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Human Resources Leader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,964 |
| 2024 | $106,332 |
| 2025 | $105,266 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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