HR Manager Salary in USA 2025
Human resources compensation and career progression
HR Manager Salary Range
How Much Do HR Managers Earn in 2025?
HR managers are human resources professionals who oversee employee recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management, employee relations, and organizational development. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining company culture.
2025 HR manager salaries show strong earning potential: average $77,790–$105,158, with entry-level HR coordinators starting at $60,863 and Chief People Officers earning $199,502.
The salary range within HR is wide: HR Coordinators earn $60,863, HR Managers $77,790–$105,158, and VPs of HR $188,953—a 3x+ difference from entry to executive level. Specialization in talent acquisition often commands premium pay ($82,578–$169,392). Senior HR professionals can reach $100K+ comfortably. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
HR Salary by Role and Seniority
The complete HR career ladder with compensation:
| HR Role | Average Salary | Salary Range | Career Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR Coordinator | $60,863 | $4K–$135K | Entry-level |
| HR Specialist | $80,286 | $10K–$200K | Entry to mid |
| Recruiter | $82,578 | $1K–$200K | Mid-level |
| Technical Recruiter | $94,971 | $33K–$330K | Specialized |
| HR Manager | $77,790–$105,158 | $15K–$260K | Manager |
| Senior Recruiter | $110,131 | $41K–$231K | Senior |
| HR Director | $149,725 | $50K–$332K | Director |
| VP Talent Acquisition | $169,392 | $105K–$350K | Executive |
| VP of People | $184,558 | $77K–$360K | Executive |
| VP Human Resources | $188,953 | $115K–$337K | Executive |
| Chief People Officer | $199,502 | $90K–$400K | C-suite |
Entry-Level HR Roles
HR Coordinator ($60,863): Administrative HR support, benefits enrollment, employee onboarding. Starting point for most HR careers.
HR Specialist ($80,286): Specialized HR functions like compensation, benefits, or employee relations.
Mid-Level HR Roles
Recruiter ($82,578): Sourcing, interviewing, and hiring candidates across the organization.
Technical Recruiter ($94,971): Tech talent acquisition with specialized recruiting expertise. 15% premium over general recruiters.
Manager-Level
HR Manager ($77,790–$105,158): Team leadership, HR strategy, policy implementation. Wide range reflects company size and industry variation.
Senior Recruiter ($110,131): Senior hiring, recruiting strategy, team leadership.
Director-Level
HR Director ($149,725): Department leadership, strategic HR initiatives, executive partnership.
Executive-Level
VP of Talent Acquisition ($169,392): Enterprise recruiting strategy, employer branding.
VP of People ($184,558): People strategy, culture, organizational development.
VP of Human Resources ($188,953): HR leadership, strategic workforce planning, executive team member.
Chief People Officer ($199,502): C-suite HR leadership, organizational strategy, board-level reporting.
HR Manager Salary by Experience
Experience progression for HR Managers specifically:
| Experience Level | Total Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| <1 year | $59,310 | Rare; most have prior experience |
| 1–4 years | $69,266 | Early management |
| 5–9 years | $80,000–$100,000 | Strategic leadership |
| 10+ years | $100,000–$120,000+ | Senior leadership |
Most HR managers have 5+ years of HR experience before reaching manager level. The role typically requires background in recruiting, employee relations, or HR generalist work.
HR Specialization Salary Comparison
Different HR functional areas offer varying compensation:
| HR Specialization | Typical Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Talent Acquisition | $82,578–$169,392 | Highest-paying; direct revenue impact |
| Compensation & Benefits | $80,000–$120,000 | Technical, strategic |
| HR Business Partner | $90,000–$130,000 | Strategic advisory |
| Organizational Development | $85,000–$125,000 | Culture, leadership |
| Employee Relations | $77,790–$105,158 | Generalist, broad scope |
Talent Acquisition/Recruiting
Highest-paying HR specialization. Recruiters: $82,578. Technical Recruiters: $94,971 (+15%). Senior Recruiters: $110,131. VP Talent Acquisition: $169,392. Direct impact on company growth justifies premium compensation.
Compensation & Benefits
Typically $80,000–$120,000 for managers. Strategic role with high technical complexity around pay structures, equity, and benefits design.
HR Business Partner
Typically $90,000–$130,000. Strategic advisory role to business units, requiring strong business acumen alongside HR expertise.
Organizational Development / Talent Management
Typically $85,000–$125,000. Focus on leadership development, culture initiatives, and performance management systems.
What HR Managers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Overseeing recruitment and hiring, managing employee relations, developing compensation and benefits strategies, ensuring legal compliance, leading performance management processes, driving organizational development, and managing HR teams.
Strategic vs. Operational
HR managers balance day-to-day operations (employee issues, hiring, benefits) with strategic workforce planning (talent strategy, succession planning, culture initiatives).
Cross-Functional Partnership
HR managers partner with all departments on people-related issues, serving as consultants to leadership on organizational challenges.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
HR is always needed—every company requires human resources functions. Increasing focus on people strategy, DEI, and employee experience drives demand for strategic HR professionals.
Career Progression
Generalist path: HR Coordinator → HR Specialist → HR Manager → HR Director → VP HR → Chief People Officer
Recruiting path: Recruiter → Senior Recruiter → Recruiting Manager → VP Talent Acquisition
Valuable Certifications
PHR (Professional in Human Resources), SPHR (Senior PHR), SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP boost credentials and typically add 5–15% salary premium.
How to Increase Your HR Salary
Progress to Director/VP Level
HR Directors earn $149,725, VPs earn $184,558–$188,953 versus HR Managers at $77,790–$105,158. Leadership advancement is the biggest lever.
Specialize in Talent Acquisition
Tech recruiters earn $94,971, VPs earn $169,392. Recruiting often pays more than generalist HR.
Earn HR Certifications
SHRM-SCP and SPHR add 5–15% salary premium and signal expertise.
Move to Tech Industry
Tech companies pay 20–40% more for HR roles than traditional industries due to competition for talent.
Develop Strategic Skills
Business acumen, analytics, and organizational psychology are valued for senior roles.
Target Large Companies
Fortune 500 companies pay significantly more for HR leadership positions.
Work in High-Cost Metros
SF, NYC, Seattle pay 30–40% above national average for HR roles.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average HR manager salary in 2025?
HR managers earn $77,790–$105,158 on average. Entry-level HR coordinators start at $60,863, HR directors earn $149,725, and Chief People Officers earn $199,502. The wide range reflects company size, industry, and geographic variation.
How much do HR directors make?
HR directors average $149,725, with a range of $50,000–$332,000 depending on company size, industry, and location. This represents significant progression from HR manager level.
What is the highest-paying HR role?
Chief People Officer (CHRO) at $199,502 is the highest-paying HR role. VP of Human Resources ($188,953) and VP of People ($184,558) follow. In specialized roles, VP of Talent Acquisition ($169,392) commands strong compensation.
Do recruiters or HR generalists make more?
Recruiters often make more, especially in senior roles. Senior recruiters average $110,131 versus HR managers at $77,790–$105,158. Technical recruiters earn $94,971. The recruiting path frequently offers higher compensation than generalist HR.
Is HR a good career in 2025?
Yes. HR offers clear career progression from $60,863 (coordinator) to $199,502 (CHRO), stable demand across all industries, and increasingly strategic importance. Tech companies and large enterprises pay premium compensation for HR talent.