What is the Average Human Resources Salary?

The department of human resources is vital to a company’s success. As the department that provides the structure for many of an organization’s foundational elements, human resources management (HRM) is essential. It oversees a multitude of crucial aspects, including:

• Personnel
• Policies and procedures
• Workplace culture

Through these aspects, the human resource department is responsible for helping all employees feel supported and valued. If you are curious about a career in human resource management, read on to learn more about its value in the professional world, as well as the average salaries of different human resources positions and their job outlooks.

What is a Human Resources Manager?

An HR manager is an individual at an organization who leads a department that is responsible for employing, training, supporting and recording information for past, present and future employees. Human resource managers play a key role in the organization as they serve as intermediaries between its employees and leaders. When it comes to day-to-day duties, they are responsible for planning, coordinating and directing an organization in functions such as:

• Lead the work of the human resources department
• Establish and evolve company policies and procedures
• Plan and oversee the company’s employee benefits program
• Respond to managers companywide to collect information about staffing and training needs
• Supervise the recruitment, hiring and training processes
• Develop job titles, write job descriptions and research staff wages and compensation
• Set up and create employee assistance programs
• Facilitate tax assessment and distribution
• Help manage employee relations and promote a positive work culture
• Maintain knowledge of best practices, trends and new technologies in the field of human resources
• Act as a resource for employees and respond to any questions or concerns
• Facilitate the employee assistance program

As the frontline workers that build the staff needed for an organization to succeed, there will always be a need for human resource managers and their skills. The human resource department ensures all employees at the organization work to the best of their abilities. Whether it is making sure employee benefits packages are competitive, giving employees the appropriate care and time off they deserve, or creating workplace safety policies, these all play a direct role in creating a positive environment where everyone works as productively, efficiently and contentedly as possible.

What is the average human resources manager salary?

As a vital part of the company, human resource managers are paid well for their time and efforts. Keep reading for the average human resources manager’s salary and job outlook, as well as other human resources jobs, specifically HR specialist, HR manager, HR coordinator, and HR assistant.

Human Resource Manager

Average salary: In 2021, the median salary was $126,230 per year or $60.69 per hour

Job outlook: The employment of human resources managers is expected to grow seven percent from 2021 to 2031. This percentage is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Human Resources Specialist

Average salary: In 2021, the median salary was $62,290 per year and $29.95 per hour.

Job outlook: The employment of human resources specialists is expected to grow eight percent from 2021 to 2031. This percentage is faster than the average for all occupations.

Human Resources Coordinator

Average salary: The average salary of a human resources coordinator in the United States is $49,142. Typically, the salary range falls between $41,243 and $59,637.

Job outlook: Found by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources coordinator positions are expected to increase by seven percent until 2026. This percentage is about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

Human Resources Assistant

Average salary: As of November 23, 2022, the average salary for a human resources assistant in the United States is $44,793, but the salary range typically falls between $39,909 and $50,299.

Job outlook: Similar to the positions above, there are reports that human resource assistants will see employment growth of three percent between 2016 and 2026. 

When considering HR professional jobs, it is important to keep in mind salaries can vary based on location, education and previous experience. Human resource degrees you have earned and any additional skills or human resource certifications beneficial to the company can also help you negotiate a higher salary. Similarly, these figures indicate the base salary. They most likely do not include the total compensation they will receive. On top of your human resources salary, you may receive additional cash compensation at the end of the year or when you reach important milestones.