How Much Does an HR Professional Make? A Comprehensive Guide to Salaries, Benefits & More

Introduction

Human resources (HR) plays a key role in the modern workplace. From recruiting, hiring and onboarding new staff members to developing employee policies and managing employee relations, HR professionals are highly sought-after and integral to the success of any business. But how much does an HR professional make? This article takes a closer look at average salaries for HR professionals, factors influencing salaries, high paying HR jobs and more.

In-Depth Look at HR Salaries: How Much Does an HR Professional Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for human resources managers was $116,720 in May 2019. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including experience level, industry, location and job title.

Factors Influencing Salaries

There are several factors that can influence the salary of an HR professional. Experience level is one of the most important, as HR professionals with more experience tend to be offered higher salaries. Additionally, the industry in which the HR professional works can have a big impact on their salary. According to the BLS, HR professionals in the finance and insurance industry earn the highest median wage, while those in the accommodation and food services industry earn the lowest. Location is also an important factor, as HR professionals in certain cities or states may be offered higher wages than others.

Types of Jobs That Pay Higher Salaries

Certain types of HR positions usually pay higher salaries than others. For example, HR directors, who are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the human resources department, typically earn higher salaries than other HR positions. Additionally, positions such as compensation and benefits managers, labor relations specialists and recruitment and placement managers often command higher salaries than other HR roles.

Salaries by Region

The region in which an HR professional works can also have an effect on their salary. According to research from Glassdoor, the top five states for HR salaries are New York ($86,000), California ($85,000), Texas ($82,000), Illinois ($80,000) and Pennsylvania ($77,000). Additionally, the top five cities for HR salaries are San Francisco ($112,000), New York ($99,000), San Jose ($97,000), Los Angeles ($96,000) and Seattle ($94,000).

High Paying HR Jobs: What You Need to Know Before Pursuing a Career in Human Resources

For those considering a career in human resources, it’s important to understand the qualifications and skills required to succeed in the field. While entry-level HR positions may not require extensive experience, higher paying jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field, as well as several years of experience in HR. Additionally, certain certifications such as the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) can help HR professionals stand out from the crowd and increase their earning potential.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Successful HR professionals need a wide range of skills, including strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to handle complex tasks and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of employment laws and regulations, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze data. Finally, HR professionals should have a keen eye for detail and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.

Positions With Higher Salaries

As mentioned above, certain positions within the HR field can offer higher salaries than others. These include HR directors, compensation and benefits managers, labor relations specialists and recruitment and placement managers. To qualify for these higher paying positions, HR professionals must possess the necessary qualifications and skills, as well as several years of experience in the field.

Benefits of Working in Human Resources

In addition to the financial benefits of working in HR, there are many other advantages. For instance, HR professionals have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, develop relationships with colleagues and build their professional network. Additionally, HR professionals get to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on employees’ lives and the overall success of the company.

Salary Guide for HR Professionals: A Comprehensive Overview of Wages and Benefits

When it comes to salaries, HR professionals can expect to receive a variety of wages and benefits. The exact amount and type of compensation will depend on the position and company, but most HR professionals can expect to receive a competitive salary, performance bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans and other perks.

Different Types of Salaries

The type of salary an HR professional receives will depend on the position and company. For example, some companies may offer a base salary plus commission, while others may offer a flat rate salary or hourly wage. Additionally, some companies may offer a bonus or incentive plan based on performance. It’s important for HR professionals to understand the terms of their salary before accepting a job offer.

Benefits Offered

In addition to a competitive salary, HR professionals can expect to receive a range of benefits. These may include health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement plans, vacation and sick leave, tuition reimbursement and other perks. Additionally, some companies may offer flexible schedules, telecommuting options and the chance to participate in professional development programs.

Exploring the Average Salary of an HR Professional: What to Expect

Now that we’ve explored the various factors that can influence an HR professional’s salary, let’s take a look at the national average salary for HR professionals. According to data from the BLS, the median annual wage for human resources managers was $116,720 in May 2019.

National Average Salary

The national average salary for HR professionals can vary depending on experience level, industry, location and job title. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for HR professionals is $59,459, with an additional $4,743 in bonuses and $1,973 in profit sharing. The total average salary for HR professionals is $66,175.

Average Salary by Experience Level

The amount of experience an HR professional has can have a big impact on their salary. According to data from PayScale, entry-level HR professionals can expect to earn around $46,000 per year, while experienced HR professionals can earn up to $90,000 or more. Additionally, senior HR professionals can earn upwards of $125,000.

The Role of Human Resources in the Workplace: How Much Do HR Professionals Earn?

The role of HR professionals in the workplace is essential to the success of any business. HR professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding new employees, developing employee policies and managing employee relations. They also play an important role in boosting employee engagement and morale, which can have a positive impact on productivity and retention rates.

Impact on Employee Engagement and Morale

HR professionals play a key role in boosting employee engagement and morale. By developing policies and procedures that foster a positive and collaborative work environment, HR professionals can ensure that employees feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, HR professionals can provide support and guidance to employees, helping them to reach their full potential and succeed in their roles.

Responsibilities and Functions of HR Professionals

The responsibilities and functions of HR professionals vary depending on the size and scope of the organization. Generally speaking, HR professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding new employees, developing and implementing employee policies, managing employee relations, providing support and guidance to employees and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

The Cost of Hiring an HR Professional: Is It Worth the Investment?

Hiring an HR professional can be a costly investment, but the rewards can be significant. Not only can an experienced HR professional help to boost employee engagement and morale, but they can also save businesses money by reducing turnover, minimizing legal costs and streamlining processes. Additionally, HR professionals can help to ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations, which can help to protect businesses from costly fines and penalties.

Cost of Hiring an HR Professional

The cost of hiring an HR professional depends on the size and scope of the organization, as well as the level of experience and qualifications required. Generally speaking, entry level HR positions can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $85,000, while more experienced HR professionals can cost upwards of $100,000. Additionally, businesses may need to factor in the cost of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans and other perks.

Benefits of Hiring an HR Professional

Hiring an HR professional can bring a range of benefits to any business. An experienced HR professional can help to reduce turnover, minimize legal costs and ensure compliance with employment laws. Additionally, they can help to foster a positive and collaborative work environment and provide support and guidance to employees. Ultimately, hiring an HR professional can be a worthwhile investment for any organization.

Conclusion

Human resources plays a key role in the modern workplace, and HR professionals are highly sought-after and integral to the success of any business. This article has explored how much an HR professional makes, including factors influencing salaries, types of jobs that pay higher salaries, salaries by region, qualifications and skills required, positions with higher salaries and benefits of working in human resources. Additionally, we’ve looked at the cost of hiring an HR professional and the benefits it can bring to any organization. Ultimately, the salary of an HR professional can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, but there are plenty of opportunities for those considering a career in human resources.