Human Resources Manager Salary in 2026
Human resources managers plan and coordinate HR activities including recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with employment regulations.
Median Salary
$105,000
$8,750/mo
Entry Level
$68,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$133,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
Human Resources Manager Overview
Human resources managers plan and coordinate HR activities including recruiting, employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with employment regulations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
5-8 years
Industry
Human Resources
Total Jobs (US)
180K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Human Resources
Hourly Rate
$50.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,750
Human Resources Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Human Resources Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Human Resources Manager Salary
$111,000
$9,250/month · $4,269/biweekly · $53.37/hr
Human Resources Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Human Resources Manager field.
Entry-level Human Resources Managers earn around $68,000, while the top 10% earn $155,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Human Resources Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $121,000 | +$16,000 |
| Illinois | $109,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $103,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $103,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Human Resources Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $124,000 | +$19,000 |
| Los Angeles | $118,000 | +$13,000 |
| Chicago | $110,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $107,000 | +$2,000 |
| Dallas | $105,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Human Resources Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Human Resources Manager from entry level to expert.
$68,000
0-2 years
$101,000
3-7 years
$133,000
8-14 years
$178,000
15+ years
Related Human Resources Jobs
Human Resources Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a Human Resources Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a Human Resources Manager in the United States is $105,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $68,000, while senior professionals earn up to $133,000. Top earners in the field can make $178,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Human Resources Manager?
A Human Resources Manager typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 5-8 years of experience. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS. Relevant certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Human Resources Managers?
The job market for Human Resources Managers is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 180K Human Resources Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 16%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Human Resources Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for Human Resources Managers include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $121,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Human Resources Manager salary?
To increase your Human Resources Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations. Pursue certifications such as SHRM-CP. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 5-8 years of experience, you can progress from $68,000 to $133,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Human Resources Manager Salary
How we calculate Human Resources Manager salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $105,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Human Resources Manager in the Human Resources sector.
- Entry-level ($68,000) and senior-level ($133,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 180K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Human Resources sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $105,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Human Resources Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Human Resources Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Human Resources
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Human Resources Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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