The Highest-Paying Jobs in HR in 2024
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- The human resources field shows strong projected job growth through 2031.
- Top-paying positions include chief human resources officer and compensation and benefits manager.
- Top-paying positions require at least a bachelor's degree.
The human resources field continues to be as important as ever, especially as industries strive to improve employee retention. Some of the highest-paying jobs pay well over $120,000 per year, which significantly exceeds the median household income of $67,520 reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020.
When looking at human resources jobs, you'll find a growth rate reflecting the number of jobs added or lost to the position projected over a decade. A "much faster than average" job growth rate means the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% or more jobs added. An "as fast as average" job growth rate is about 4-7% more jobs added. The BLS projects strong growth rates for many HR positions between 2021 and 2031.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Human Resources Officer | $179,520 | 6% (As fast as average) |
| Compensation and Benefit Managers | $136,380 | 2% (Slower than average) |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,350 | 7% (As fast as average) |
| Training and Development Manager | $125,040 | 7% (As fast as average) |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | 11% (Much faster than average) |
| Human Resources Professor | $79,870 | 12% (Much faster than average) |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $89,980 | -3% (Decline) |
| Human Resources Specialist | $67,650 | 8% (Faster than average) |
Chief Human Resources Officer
2021 Median Annual Salary: $179,520
Job Growth (2021-2031): 6%
Top-Paying States: Washington D.C., Hawaii, Washington, South Dakota, Massachusetts
A chief human resources officer develops the human resources strategy to support an organization's overall direction. They share the department's needs with the organization's top executives, shareholders, and management team. The BLS states that most positions require a master's degree in business administration or a master's in human resources.
Compensation and Benefit Managers
2023 Median Annual Salary: $136,380
Job Growth (2021-2031): 2%Top-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, California
A compensation and benefits manager plans and oversees employee compensation, including salaries, bonuses, stock options, pensions, and other benefits. They ensure that a fair wage is industry competitive and within federal and state regulations. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in human resources or business for this position.
Human Resources Manager
2023 Median Annual Salary: $136,350
Job Growth (2021-2031): 7%
Top-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Rhode Island
A human resources manager oversees an organization's human resources department and ensures all matters are handled within federal, state, and local laws. They also manage the hiring process and analyze compensation and benefits trends to attract top talent.
According to the BLS, you need at least a bachelor's degree in business, communication, or psychology for this career. Some companies may require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration.
Training and Development Manager
2023 Median Annual Salary: $125,040
Job Growth (2021-2031): 7%
Top-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado, Massachusetts
A training and development manager creates and manages the training and development of staff. They handle the training programs' budget and coordinate with other department managers to determine training needs. According to the BLS, this position usually requires a bachelor's degree in communication, business, or social science. A master's degree in training and development or human resources management may also be beneficial.
Management Analyst
2023 Median Annual Salary: $99,410
Job Growth (2021-2031): 11%
Top-Paying States: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Illinois
A management analyst's role involves analyzing an organization's efficiency and making recommendations to improve processes. They may work as consultants, or they can be a permanent part of determining a business' strengths and weaknesses. A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a similar field is required. But the BLS states you may need a master's degree in business administration.
Human Resources Professor
2023 Median Annual Salary: $79,870
Job Growth (2021-2031): 12%
Top-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland
A human resources professor works at colleges or universities and teaches courses on human resources, business administration, and related fields. You may need to perform research at larger universities. A community college usually requires at least a master's degree in human resources or business administration. The BLS states that four-year schools may prefer a doctoral degree, along with research experience.
Labor Relations Specialist
2023 Median Annual Salary: $89,980
Job Growth (2021-2031): -3%
Top-Paying States: Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, New York, Alaska
Labor relations specialists advise on contracts and work alongside labor union representatives and company management to meet employee needs. They use labor law knowledge to negotiate contracts and act as a liaison between management and labor. The BLS states you need at least a bachelor's degree in labor relations, human resources, or business administration to start your career in this field.
Human Resources Specialist
2023 Median Annual Salary: $67,650
Job Growth (2021-2031): 8%
Top-Paying States: Washington D.C., New York, Washington, New Jersey, California
Human resources specialists review and screen job applicants, recruit candidates, and contact references. They also maintain employment records and onboard new employees. The BLS states that the position requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, communication, or business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources
Is HR a good career?
Yes. HR is an important part of any industry. In addition to strong projected job growth by the BLS, it's a great field if you enjoy working with people and contributing to employees' happiness.
It also enables you to specialize in various industries and pursue several aspects of HR, whether that's compensation and benefits, employee engagement, or recruitment.
What degree do you need for human resources?
Most human resources positions, such as human resources specialist, require at least a bachelor's degree, ideally in human resources or business. However, many HR employers accept four-year degrees in communication or psychology.
If you simply want to get your foot in the door, an associate degree in human resources is valuable for entry-level positions. However, as you advance in your career, especially if you'd like to pursue management or executive-level positions, you may need a master's degree.
Can you be in HR without a degree?
Yes! Many positions only require a high school diploma and can lead to growth opportunities in your company. For example, a human resources assistant position can lead to more responsibilities in HR as you gain more experience.
On-the-job training is a valuable asset to this field. What can have an obvious solution in a textbook may look far different in real-life scenarios. So, even though having a degree is beneficial, your success is not limited without one.
