Human Resources Director Salary in 2026
Lead human resources departments developing policies, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Median Salary
$115,000
$9,583/mo
Entry Level
$78,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$162,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Human Resources Director Overview
Lead human resources departments developing policies, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Education
Bachelor's/Master's
Experience
8-12 years
Industry
Management
Total Jobs (US)
35K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Management
Hourly Rate
$55.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,583
Human Resources Director Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Human Resources Director salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Human Resources Director Salary
$133,000
$11,083/month · $5,115/biweekly · $63.94/hr
Human Resources Director Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Human Resources Director field.
Entry-level Human Resources Directors earn around $78,000, while the top 10% earn $181,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Human Resources Directors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| New York | $132,000 | +$17,000 |
| Massachusetts | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Illinois | $120,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $113,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Human Resources Directors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $144,000 | +$29,000 |
| New York | $136,000 | +$21,000 |
| Boston | $129,000 | +$14,000 |
| Chicago | $121,000 | +$6,000 |
| Dallas | $115,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Human Resources Director Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Human Resources Director from entry level to expert.
$78,000
0-2 years
$120,000
3-7 years
$162,000
8-14 years
$200,000
15+ years
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Human Resources Director Salary FAQ
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