5 HR Jobs of the Future You Can Get with a Master’s in Human Resources
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- Many jobs in human resources are projected to grow within the next decade.
- A master's degree in human resources can make potential employees more desirable while opening doors to more rewarding careers.
- Growing companies often need to expand their human resources department.
- Careers in HR are available in many fields, both in person and remotely.
The future of human resources may bring a good chance for college graduates to shine. With a master's degree in human resources, you can explore more rewarding work, advanced positions, and higher salaries. You'll also gain more insight into how companies run their practices.
While many careers in human resources do not require a master's degree, having the extra education and experience is an asset to keep in your back pocket.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
The career outlook for human resources looks promising. Those interested in HR might be drawn to managing, creating organizational policies, shaping company culture, and handling staff relations.
Are you just getting started? Consider an online HR program to earn your bachelor's degree. If you're in line to earn your master's degree in human resources, these jobs of the future may be calling your name.
Vice President of Human Resources (HRVP)
December 2022 Average Annual Salary: $145,290
Vice presidents of human resources have an all-encompassing role. They may do the following:
- Oversee workforce and workplace compliance
- Manage contracts and negotiations
- Handle relevant legal issues in regard to labor laws
HRVPs work with the heads of corporate administration to implement workplace policies. This may include their hiring and firing practices, and structures to handle safety measures and employee concerns.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are the five highest-paying states for human resources managers.
Senior Human Resources Manager
December 2022 Average Annual Salary: $96,840
Senior human resources managers create and implement a company's HR policies, procedures, and administrative functions. For this role, you'll need about seven years of experience in management, plus strong communication and problem-solving skills.
A senior HR manager may work for a single company or manage many clients, depending on the scope of the job. Employee relations and organizational development are important aspects of the role. Senior HR managers oversee their organization's recruiting and retention and act as a liaison between management and employees.
The BLS projects senior human resources manager roles to grow by 7% from 2021-2031, higher than the national average of 5%.
Human Resources Information Systems Manager
January 2023 Average Annual Salary: $107,440
Human resources information systems managers combine human resources management skills with information technology (IT) expertise. This career is critical as the demand for company privacy and protection continues to grow. HR information systems managers generally hold a master's degree in business and specialize in HR or IT systems management.
Careers in IT have appealing job growth potential. The BLS projects a 15% growth rate for computer and information tech jobs from 2021-2031.
Director of Human Resources
December 2022 Average Annual Salary: $98,320
As a director of human resources, you'd oversee all departments within an organization. To succeed in this role, you'll need top-level skills in employee-management relations, recruitment and hiring, and implementing and enforcing company policies.
Clear communication and coordination are also critical. HR directors ensure that everyone follows approved organizational policies and practices and generally report to the company CEO.
Labor Relations Specialist
November 2022 Average Annual Salary: $77,710
Labor relations specialists work with company managers to handle communications between employers and employees, and labor union representatives. For this job, you'll need strong negotiation, arbitration, and problem-solving skills. You should also build a solid knowledge of business compliance and federal regulations knowledge.
Labor relations specialists may train employees and work in union or nonunion spaces across diverse industries.
While the BLS projects this role to decline by 3% from 2021-2031, it still projects about 5,800 new openings in the field each year.
Other career opportunities for those with a master's in human resources include:
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Chief learning officer -
Compensation and benefits manager -
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist -
HR practice leader -
Industrial relations director -
Learning and development director -
Organizational development director -
Program administrator or evaluator -
Training and development manager
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources
Is HR a good career for the future?
Yes. Human resources jobs are important for a wide variety of industries both now and in the future. The BLS projects that many careers in HR, such as HR information systems managers and senior HR managers, will grow between 2021 and 2031. This growth makes HR a good choice for those interested in working with organizations on their company practices and policies.
How will HR change in the next 5 years?
The BLS projects HR growth to be either on par with or slightly above the average growth rate for all U.S. occupations between 2021 and 2031. As these demands grow, smaller and mid-sized companies may seek to increase their HR staff to help their businesses run smoothly. And more HR jobs might be available remotely, opening up more doors for people to work from anywhere.
Is an HR degree worth it?
Yes. Companies seek out specialized employees for various human resources roles, particularly those with HR certifications and master's degrees. You can increase your desirability with a degree in HR, and getting your master's degree can further improve your qualifications.
