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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.

25th Percentile$92,800
$93K
Median (50th)$115,000
$115K
75th Percentile$138,500
$139K
90th Percentile$181,000
$181K
Top Earners$200,000
$200K

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

StateEst. Median Salaryvs 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

CityEst. Median Salaryvs 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

HR StrategyTalent ManagementEmployment LawCompensationOrganizational Development

Certifications

SHRM-SCPSPHR

Human Resources Director Career Progression

Typical salary growth path for a Human Resources Director from entry level to expert.

Entry Level

$78,000

0-2 years

Mid Career

$120,000

3-7 years

Senior

$162,000

8-14 years

Lead / Expert

$200,000

15+ years

EntryExpert

Human Resources Director Salary FAQ

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