Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization.
Is human resources managers a good career?
It scores 36/100 and ranks #88 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($149,280 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What human resources managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. human resources managers earn between $111,110 and $199,290 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live human resources managers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Human resources managers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. The degree may be in human resources or another field, such as business, communications, or psychology. Courses in subjects such as conflict management may be helpful.
Some jobs may require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration (MBA).
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although certification is voluntary, it shows professional expertise and credibility, and it may enhance job opportunities. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with certification, and some positions may require it.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Human resources managers need strong speaking, writing, and listening skills to give presentations and direct their staff.
Decision-making skills. Human resources managers must be able to balance the strengths and weaknesses of different options and decide the best course of action.
Interpersonal skills. Human resources managers regularly interact with people, such as to collaborate on teams, and must develop working relationships with their colleagues.
Leadership skills. Human resources managers must coordinate work activities and ensure that staff complete the duties and responsibilities of their department.
Organizational skills. Human resources managers must be able to prioritize tasks and manage several projects at once.
Related occupations
How much do human resources managers make?
The national median wage is $149,280 a year, with the middle half earning between $111,110 and $199,290 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is human resources managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 36 of 100 and ranks #88 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a human resources manager?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do human resources managers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($184,350). Local pay for every state and metro is below.