Choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions for college students. For those interested in Human Resources (HR) or Human Resource Management (HRM), understanding the salary landscape of an HR Manager is crucial. This article explores various aspects of an HR Manager’s salary, including factors that influence pay, average salary ranges, regional differences, and tips for maximizing earning potential.
What is an HR Manager?
An HR Manager, or Human Resources Manager, is a professional responsible for overseeing an organization’s HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with labor laws. They play a crucial role in ensuring that a company’s workforce is productive, satisfied, and aligned with the organization’s goals. In many companies, HR teams also plan training and development programs and organize recreational events for employees. As such, HR managers’ job descriptions can be pretty diverse.
If you’re interested in pursuing HR jobs, this guide might help: How to Land an Entry-Level HR Job.
Average HR Manager Salary in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for HR Managers was $136,350, as of May 2023. However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors such as industry, location, experience, and education.
Here’s a compilation of average annual salaries for human resource managers, plus typical pay ranges, from various reputable sources:
| Annual Salary Range for HR Managers | Average/Median Annual Pay for HR Managers | Source |
| $44,171 to $146,671 | – | ZipRecruiter |
| $53,000 to $102,000 | $74,509 (average) | Payscale |
| $81,060 to $182,120 | $136,350 (median) | BLS |
| $75,000 to 100,000 | $86,271 (average) | Glassdoor |
| $106,958 to $135,440 | $120,559 (average) | Salary.com |
- The annual salary range for HR Managers varies significantly depending on the source. ZipRecruiter reports a broad range from $44,171 to $146,671.
- Payscale shows a range from $53,000 to $102,000, with a median annual pay of $74,509.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR Managers earn between $81,060 and $182,120, with an average annual salary of $136,350.
- Glassdoor lists salaries ranging from $75,000 to $100,000, with an average pay of $86,271.
- Salary.com provides a range from $106,958 to $135,440, with an average salary of $120,559.
These differences highlight the impact of factors such as location, industry, and experience on HR Manager salaries.
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Regional Salary Differences
Regional salary differences for HR Managers can be significant due to several factors. These differences arise from variations in cost of living, industry concentration, demand for HR professionals, and local economic conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at why these differences exist and how they impact HR Manager salaries.
Factors Influencing Regional Salary Differences
The salary ranges for HR Manager roles tend to have significant regional differences, mainly due to factors such as:
Cost of Living
Jobs in areas with a higher cost of living, such as major metropolitan regions, typically offer higher salaries to offset the expenses associated with housing, transportation, and other necessities.
Industry Concentration
Regions with a high concentration of certain industries, like technology in California or finance in New York, often have higher salaries due to the competitive nature of these fields and the specialized skills required.
Demand for HR Professionals
States with a growing number of businesses and organizations may have a higher demand for HR Managers, leading to increased salaries to attract and retain talent.
Local Economic Conditions
Economic health and labor market conditions in a region can influence salary levels. Areas with strong economies and low unemployment rates tend to offer higher wages.
Which States have the Highest HR Manager Salary?
Top-paying states for HR Managers:
| State | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| New York | 14,260 | $95.59 | $198,830 |
| Washington | 4,800 | $90.78 | $188,820 |
| Massachusetts | 6,690 | $89.26 | $185,650 |
| New Jersey | 5,590 | $88.85 | $184,810 |
| California | 27,980 | $87.72 | $182,460 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Services (BLS)
Here is a detailed look at some of the top-paying states for HR Managers based on employment, hourly mean wage, and annual mean wage:
1. New York
- Employment: 14,260
- Hourly Mean Wage: $95.59
- Annual Mean Wage: $198,830
New York leads the nation in HR Manager salaries, driven by its status as a financial and business hub. The high cost of living in cities like New York City necessitates higher wages, and the competitive job market in sectors like finance, media, and technology further boosts salaries.
2. Washington
- Employment: 4,800
- Hourly Mean Wage: $90.78
- Annual Mean Wage: $188,820
Washington, particularly the Seattle area, is a technology hotspot with major companies like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered there. The tech industry’s demand for skilled HR professionals contributes to the high salaries in this state.
3. Massachusetts
- Employment: 6,690
- Hourly Mean Wage: $89.26
- Annual Mean Wage: $185,650
Massachusetts, home to numerous universities and research institutions, offers substantial salaries for HR Managers. The presence of biotech and healthcare industries also drives up wages, especially in the Boston area.
4. New Jersey
- Employment: 5,590
- Hourly Mean Wage: $88.85
- Annual Mean Wage: $184,810
New Jersey’s proximity to New York City and its diverse economy, including pharmaceuticals and finance, result in high salaries for HR Managers. The competitive labor market and high cost of living in certain parts of the state also play a role.
5. California
- Employment: 27,980
- Hourly Mean Wage: $87.72
- Annual Mean Wage: $182,460
California’s vast and varied economy, with strong sectors in technology, entertainment, and agriculture, creates a high demand for HR professionals. The state’s high cost of living, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, contributes to the elevated salaries.
Regional salary differences for HR Managers are influenced by various factors, including cost of living, industry concentration, demand, and local economic conditions. Understanding these differences can help aspiring HR professionals make informed decisions about where to pursue their careers. Whether aiming for the bustling financial districts of New York or the tech-driven environments of California and Washington, HR Managers can find lucrative opportunities tailored to their skills and preferences.
Which States Have the Highest Employment Levels for Human Resource Managers?
States with the highest employment level for ‘Human Resources Manager’ roles (as of May 2023):
| State | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | 27,980 | $87.72 | $182,460 |
| Texas | 17,870 | $69.94 | $145,460 |
| New York | 14,260 | $95.59 | $198,830 |
| Illinois | 13,680 | $71.47 | $148,660 |
| Florida | 10,110 | $64.22 | $133,570 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Services (BLS)
The demand for HR Managers is highest in the states of California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. If you’re aspiring towards a career in human resources, it may be worth looking at these states.
HR Manager Salary by Industry
For HR managers, the industry they’re in can significantly impact their salary. Certain industries offer notably higher wages due to the specialized skills required and the competitive nature of these fields.
Here are the top-paying industries for HR Managers as of May 2023:
| Industry | Employment🔗 | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage🔗 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion Picture and Video Industries🔗 | 600 | $ 113.66 | $ 236,420 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services🔗 | 690 | $ 112.06 | $ 233,080 |
| Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing🔗 | 470 | $ 111.13 | $ 231,160 |
| Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers🔗 | 1,070 | $ 106.22 | $ 220,930 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities🔗 | 2,670 | $ 104.25 | $ 216,840 |
Motion Picture and Video Industries
- Employment: 600
- Hourly Mean Wage: $113.66
- Annual Mean Wage: $236,420
The Motion Picture and Video Industries top the list with an impressive annual mean wage of $236,420. HR Managers in this industry often deal with high-profile talent and complex labor agreements–hence the high compensation.
Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services
- Employment: 690
- Hourly Mean Wage: $112.06
- Annual Mean Wage: $233,080
HR Managers in the Information Services sector, including web search portals and libraries, earn an annual mean wage of $233,080. This industry’s emphasis on managing large volumes of information and ensuring efficient personnel management in highly technical environments explains the high pay.
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- Employment: 470
- Hourly Mean Wage: $111.13
- Annual Mean Wage: $231,160
The Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing industry offers an annual mean wage of $231,160 for HR Managers. This sector’s focus on innovation and rapid technological advancement requires HR professionals who can attract and retain top talent in engineering and manufacturing, leading to higher salaries.
Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
- Employment: 1,070
- Hourly Mean Wage: $106.22
- Annual Mean Wage: $220,930
HR Managers in Media Streaming and Social Networks earn an annual mean wage of $220,930. The growth of digital media and the need for dynamic HR strategies to manage creative talent contribute to the substantial salaries in this industry.
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
- Employment: 2,670
- Hourly Mean Wage: $104.25
- Annual Mean Wage: $216,840
The Financial Services industry, including securities and commodity contracts, provides HR Managers with an annual mean wage of $216,840. The high stakes in financial markets necessitate HR professionals adept at navigating strict compliance requirements and managing high-pressure environments, resulting in higher compensation.
HR manager salaries vary widely across industries, reflecting the specialized skills and demands of each sector. Understanding these industry-specific salary trends can help aspiring HR managers make informed career decisions and maximize their earning potential.
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Besides the industry and region, HR Manager salary figures can also differ based on your level of experience in comparison to the role. For instance, senior HR managers tend to have higher pay than entry-level or mid-level human resources managers. Similarly, HR professionals with 5+ years of experience can expect higher salaries than those with 2-3 years of experience in HRM.
Conclusion
If you’re eyeing a career in human resources, getting insights on HR manager salary stats can prove helpful. Salaries vary widely based on region, industry, and experience. High-paying states like New York and California offer competitive salaries, as do industries like the Motion Picture & Video industry and the Information Services industry. Factors like the cost of living, industry demand, etc. also play a big role in these differences.
For aspiring HR professionals, targeting high-paying industries and locations, pursuing advanced degrees, and getting certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Stay informed, plan strategically, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding HR career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Entry-level HR Managers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually.
Pursue advanced degrees, gain certifications, specialize in niche areas, and build a strong professional network.
Yes, HR Managers in the technology and healthcare sectors tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in education or non-profit organizations.
The demand for HR Managers is expected to grow, leading to potential salary increases and more job opportunities in the future.
