If you are searching for a human resources manager salary in the USA, this career can offer a strong income, especially for managers working in large companies, professional services, technology, finance, manufacturing and other high-paying industries. The current U.S. median salary for human resources managers is about $149,280 per year, or around $71.77 per hour. The actual HR manager salary can be lower or much higher depending on experience, state, company size, industry, education and the level of responsibility. In some states, the median pay is above $170,000, while other states have median pay closer to $110,000. This guide looks at HR manager salary in the USA, salary by state, hourly and monthly pay, starting salary, senior HR manager pay, benefits and other important details for people planning this career.
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Human Resources Manager Salary in the USA
A human resources manager is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the human resources activities of an organization. This can include hiring, employee relations, compensation, benefits, training, workplace policies and many other people-related functions. Because HR managers can have responsibility for a full department or a large number of employees, the position is normally considered a management-level career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for human resources managers was $149,280 in May 2025. The median hourly wage was about $71.77. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $88,200 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $267,810. So, the salary range is quite wide and an experienced HR manager in a large organization can earn much more than the general median.
It is also important to understand that a salary shown on a job website may look different from government wage data. Job posting websites can show an average base salary based on posted jobs, while BLS uses occupational wage survey data. For this reason, this article uses BLS data as the main reference for the state salary comparison.
HR Manager Salary by State
The table below shows the median annual salary for Human Resources Managers by U.S. state, based on May 2025 wage data. The salary is shown as annual pay so it is easier to compare states. Some states have much higher HR manager salaries because of larger companies, expensive labor markets, major business centers and higher demand for experienced management professionals.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $113,210 |
| Alaska | $129,570 |
| Arizona | $139,820 |
| Arkansas | $108,580 |
| California | $170,080 |
| Colorado | $166,400 |
| Connecticut | $165,930 |
| Delaware | $153,890 |
| Florida | $137,790 |
| Georgia | $150,700 |
| Hawaii | $128,910 |
| Idaho | $119,990 |
| Illinois | $151,370 |
| Indiana | $130,340 |
| Iowa | $126,370 |
| Kansas | $134,470 |
| Kentucky | $121,460 |
| Louisiana | $107,880 |
| Maine | $129,720 |
| Maryland | $152,770 |
| Massachusetts | $181,780 |
| Michigan | $138,930 |
| Minnesota | $153,770 |
| Mississippi | $106,100 |
| Missouri | $130,680 |
| Montana | $115,280 |
| Nebraska | $129,460 |
| Nevada | $128,550 |
| New Hampshire | $135,000 |
| New Jersey | $172,440 |
| New Mexico | $118,070 |
| New York | $176,650 |
| North Carolina | $142,990 |
| North Dakota | $139,050 |
| Ohio | $130,480 |
| Oklahoma | $116,080 |
| Oregon | $140,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $133,060 |
| Rhode Island | $167,110 |
| South Carolina | $124,290 |
| South Dakota | $117,930 |
| Tennessee | $131,760 |
| Texas | $136,500 |
| Utah | $131,380 |
| Vermont | $132,050 |
| Virginia | $165,980 |
| Washington | $165,530 |
| West Virginia | $120,020 |
| Wisconsin | $133,490 |
| Wyoming | $127,520 |
Salary figures are median annual wages for Human Resources Managers, May 2025. The U.S. median is $149,280. State figures are based on U.S. Department of Labor wage data.
What Is the Average Human Resources Manager Salary?
The phrase average HR manager salary is searched a lot, but it is useful to look at median pay too. In May 2025, the national median salary for human resources managers was $149,280 a year. This means half of HR managers earned more than this amount and half earned less.
The salary can be very different from one company to another. A small business may hire an HR manager with a lower salary because the person manages a small team. A large corporation may pay much more because the HR manager could be handling hundreds or thousands of employees, multiple locations, employee relations and complicated workplace policies.
- U.S. median HR manager salary: $149,280 per year
- Median hourly pay: $71.77 per hour
- Lower 10 percent: less than $88,200 per year
- Highest 10 percent: more than $267,810 per year
- HR management can be a six-figure career in many parts of the USA
How Much Does an HR Manager Make Per Hour?
A human resources manager makes a median of about $71.77 per hour based on the latest BLS wage data. But this should not be treated like a normal hourly job where the worker gets paid only for each hour worked. Most HR managers are salaried employees and their annual salary is the main way compensation is discussed.
Hourly equivalent pay is still useful when comparing HR manager salary with other management jobs. A manager with a salary of $150,000, for example, has a rough hourly equivalent around the low $70 range when using a standard full-time work year. Actual compensation can be different because bonuses, paid time off and other benefits are not included in a simple hourly calculation.
Human Resources Manager Salary Per Month
When a yearly salary is divided into 12 months, a $149,280 median annual salary comes to about $12,440 per month before taxes. This is only a simple monthly salary calculation and does not mean every HR manager receives exactly this amount every month.
- $100,000 annual salary = about $8,333 per month before taxes
- $125,000 annual salary = about $10,417 per month before taxes
- $149,280 annual salary = about $12,440 per month before taxes
- $175,000 annual salary = about $14,583 per month before taxes
- $200,000 annual salary = about $16,667 per month before taxes
The actual take-home pay is lower after federal income tax, state tax where applicable, Social Security, Medicare, retirement contributions, insurance and other deductions.
Highest Paying States for Human Resources Managers
Some states stand out when looking at human resources manager salary by state. Massachusetts has a median salary of about $181,780, followed by New York at $176,650, New Jersey at $172,440 and California at $170,080. Rhode Island, Colorado, Virginia and Connecticut are also among the states with high median pay for this occupation.
These numbers show why location matters a lot for an HR management career. However, salary alone does not tell the full story. Housing costs, taxes, transportation and general cost of living can also be higher in some of the states with the largest salaries.
- Massachusetts: $181,780 median annual salary
- New York: $176,650
- New Jersey: $172,440
- California: $170,080
- Rhode Island: $167,110
- Colorado: $166,400
- Virginia: $165,980
- Connecticut: $165,930
- Washington: $165,530
Can an HR Manager Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, earning more than $100,000 a year is very possible for a human resources manager in the United States. In fact, the national median is already well above $100,000. Even some states with lower median HR manager salaries still have many professionals earning above $100,000 depending on their experience and employer.
Senior HR managers, HR managers working for large corporations and managers in higher-paying industries may earn considerably more. Some experienced professionals can move toward director or executive HR positions, where total compensation can become much higher.
What Affects Human Resources Manager Salary?
There is not one fixed HR manager salary for everyone. Two people with the same job title can have very different pay. The biggest difference normally comes from experience, location, industry, company size and responsibility.
- Experience: More years in HR can help a manager qualify for higher-level positions.
- Education: A bachelor's degree is common for this occupation, while advanced education can help for some leadership roles.
- Industry: Professional, scientific and technical services can pay especially well.
- Company size: Large organizations may offer higher salaries and bigger compensation packages.
- Location: HR managers in major business markets often have higher salary levels.
- Management responsibility: Managing a large HR team or multiple company locations can increase compensation.
- Specialized skills: Employee relations, compensation, labor relations, HR technology and compliance knowledge can make a candidate more valuable.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Alabama
The human resources manager salary in Alabama is lower than the national median, but HR management is still a strong professional career in the state. Companies in healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail and other industries need HR managers to handle hiring, employee policies, benefits and workplace issues.
An HR manager in Alabama may earn more as they gain experience and move into larger organizations. Working for a national company or managing HR operations for multiple locations can also bring a better salary.
- Human resources management is a six-figure career for many experienced professionals.
- Manufacturing and healthcare can provide good HR management opportunities.
- Experience with employee relations and compliance can improve career options.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Alaska
The HR manager salary in Alaska can be attractive for professionals who are willing to work in a smaller but specialized employment market. Alaska has employers across healthcare, government, energy, transportation and other industries where experienced HR managers are needed.
Because some organizations operate across large geographic areas, an HR manager may have responsibility for employees in several locations. This type of responsibility can increase the value of an experienced HR professional.
- Healthcare is an important employer in Alaska.
- Government and large organizations need experienced HR professionals.
- Multi-location HR experience can help with higher-level positions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Arizona
The human resources manager salary in Arizona benefits from the state's growing business and population. Phoenix and other major employment areas have companies in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance and professional services.
HR managers working for larger employers can have responsibility for recruiting, compensation, employee relations and workplace policies. With several years of experience, an HR manager can move toward senior HR management or HR director positions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Arkansas
The HR manager salary in Arkansas is below the U.S. median, but the career can still provide a solid professional income. Manufacturing, healthcare, retail and logistics companies employ HR professionals throughout the state.
In smaller organizations, one HR manager may handle many different responsibilities instead of focusing on only one HR function. This can give a professional broad experience that is useful when applying for larger HR positions later.
- Recruiting and hiring experience is useful for HR managers.
- Employee relations is an important part of the job.
- Large employers may offer stronger compensation packages.
Human Resources Manager Salary in California
California HR manager salary is among the highest in the United States. The state has a huge economy with technology companies, healthcare systems, entertainment businesses, manufacturers, financial companies and many other large employers.
The median salary shown in the state data is around $170,080 per year. Experienced HR managers in major business markets may earn substantially more, especially when bonuses and other compensation are included.
California also has a large and complicated employment environment, so knowledge of employee policies, labor regulations and compliance can be particularly valuable. The high salary should also be considered together with the state's high cost of living in many major cities.
- Technology companies can offer strong HR management salaries.
- Large healthcare systems employ many HR professionals.
- Employee relations and compliance skills are valuable.
- Senior HR positions can provide compensation well above the state median.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Colorado
The human resources manager salary in Colorado is one of the stronger salary levels in the country. Denver and other growing business areas have employers in technology, healthcare, professional services, energy and manufacturing.
HR managers with experience in organizational development, employee relations and talent management can find opportunities with larger employers. Companies competing for skilled workers also need HR leaders who can build better hiring and retention programs.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Connecticut
The HR manager salary in Connecticut is also well above the national median. The state has a strong presence of financial services, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and professional businesses.
HR managers working for large companies can be responsible for benefits, compensation, recruitment, performance management and employee relations. Experience in corporate HR can therefore be valuable for professionals looking for higher-paying positions.
- Financial services can provide strong HR career opportunities.
- Corporate HR experience can help with senior positions.
- Compensation and benefits knowledge is useful for management roles.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Delaware
The human resources manager salary in Delaware is above the national median. The state's location near major East Coast business centers also gives HR professionals access to companies with regional and national operations.
HR managers may work in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, professional services and other industries. Managers who support multiple business units can have more responsibility and potentially higher compensation.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Florida
The HR manager salary in Florida is supported by the state's large economy and many different industries. Healthcare, hospitality, finance, construction, retail and professional services all require human resources professionals.
Florida also has many large employers and growing metropolitan areas. HR managers with experience in recruiting, employee relations and workforce planning can find opportunities in both private companies and large organizations.
- Healthcare is a major source of HR employment.
- Hospitality companies need HR managers for large workforces.
- Recruiting skills can be especially useful in fast-growing companies.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Georgia
The human resources manager salary in Georgia is close to or above the national level in many corporate markets. Atlanta is a major business center and has companies in transportation, finance, technology, media, healthcare and professional services.
An HR manager working for a large company may manage a team of HR specialists and work directly with senior business leaders. This level of responsibility can lead to higher pay compared with smaller HR departments.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Hawaii
The HR manager salary in Hawaii reflects a smaller employment market and the state's unique economy. Hospitality, tourism, healthcare, government and local businesses provide many HR opportunities.
Managing employees in hospitality and tourism can involve high-volume hiring, employee scheduling, training and retention. HR managers with strong people-management skills can be valuable to larger employers.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Idaho
The human resources manager salary in Idaho is below the national median, but the profession remains a good management career. Manufacturing, healthcare, technology, construction and growing local businesses create demand for HR professionals.
As companies expand, they often need an HR manager who can create hiring processes, manage employee policies and support managers. This means HR professionals with broad skills may have good opportunities in growing companies.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Illinois
The HR manager salary in Illinois is supported by Chicago's large corporate economy and the state's manufacturing, healthcare, finance, transportation and professional services industries.
HR managers in large companies can handle complex employee programs and may work with thousands of workers. Chicago in particular provides opportunities for professionals with corporate HR experience.
- Corporate HR jobs are common in the Chicago area.
- Finance and professional services can offer strong salaries.
- Large employers may have separate HR teams for different business functions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Indiana
The human resources manager salary in Indiana is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and other major industries. Indiana's manufacturing base creates demand for HR professionals who understand workforce planning and employee relations.
An HR manager in a manufacturing organization may spend significant time working with supervisors, production teams and company leadership. Safety policies, hiring and retention can all become part of the HR manager's responsibility.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Iowa
The HR manager salary in Iowa is below the national median, but experienced professionals can still build a strong career. Manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, agriculture-related businesses and other employers hire HR managers.
HR managers who can handle both day-to-day employee issues and long-term workforce planning can become important members of company leadership.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Kansas
The human resources manager salary in Kansas varies by employer and location. Kansas City and other business centers provide opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, aviation and professional services.
HR managers working with large workforces may have responsibility for recruiting, training, benefits, employee relations and compliance. These broader duties can support career growth into senior HR positions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Kentucky
The HR manager salary in Kentucky is lower than the national median, but the state has HR opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, education and other industries.
Professionals who build experience in employee relations, recruitment and workplace compliance can move into larger HR departments over time.
- Healthcare organizations need experienced HR managers.
- Manufacturing provides HR leadership opportunities.
- Employee relations experience can support promotion into senior roles.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Louisiana
The human resources manager salary in Louisiana is among the lower state salary levels, but the actual pay can vary considerably between employers. Energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and hospitality are important employment areas.
HR managers working for large industrial companies can have substantial responsibility for hiring, employee relations and workforce policies.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Maine
The HR manager salary in Maine provides a professional management income, although the state median is below the U.S. median. Healthcare, tourism, manufacturing and local businesses employ HR professionals.
Smaller organizations may give HR managers a wide range of duties, which can be useful for building experience across recruitment, benefits, employee relations and compliance.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Maryland
The human resources manager salary in Maryland is above the national median in the state data. Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C., along with its healthcare, government, technology and professional services sectors, creates demand for experienced HR managers.
HR professionals with government contracting, compliance, workforce planning or corporate HR experience may find strong career opportunities in the state.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the highest human resources manager salaries in the USA. The median salary is around $181,780 per year. The state has major technology, biotechnology, healthcare, finance and education employers.
Boston and the surrounding business market have many large organizations where HR managers can work with specialized teams and complex workforce programs. Professionals with strong experience in talent management and organizational development can be particularly competitive.
- Technology and biotechnology companies create high-level HR opportunities.
- Healthcare is another major employment sector.
- Senior corporate HR roles can pay substantially more than the general median.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Michigan
The HR manager salary in Michigan is supported by the state's manufacturing, automotive, healthcare and professional services industries. Automotive companies in particular require HR professionals who understand large workforces and employee relations.
HR managers who have experience with labor relations, workforce planning and manufacturing environments can have a useful combination of skills for this market.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Minnesota
The human resources manager salary in Minnesota is above the national median. Minneapolis and other business centers have employers in healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing and professional services.
Large companies can offer HR managers responsibility for compensation, benefits, recruiting and employee development. These responsibilities can also create a path toward HR director positions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Mississippi
The HR manager salary in Mississippi is below the national median, but the profession can still provide a strong income compared with many other occupations. Manufacturing, healthcare, government and local businesses employ HR managers.
Professionals who gain experience with recruitment, employee relations and compliance can improve their chances of moving into larger organizations.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Missouri
The human resources manager salary in Missouri varies by industry and location. St. Louis, Kansas City and other employment centers provide opportunities in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, transportation and professional services.
HR managers in large companies may supervise HR specialists and work directly with department leaders. This can create a strong path toward senior management.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Montana
The HR manager salary in Montana is below the national median. Because the state has a smaller population and employment market, HR managers may often work in broad generalist management roles rather than highly specialized corporate HR positions.
Healthcare, government, hospitality, construction and local businesses provide employment opportunities for HR professionals.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Nebraska
The human resources manager salary in Nebraska is below the U.S. median but remains a strong professional salary. Omaha and Lincoln have employers in finance, insurance, healthcare, transportation and other industries.
HR managers who can combine employee relations with recruiting and workforce planning may have better opportunities for advancement.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Nevada
The HR manager salary in Nevada is influenced by the state's tourism, hospitality, entertainment, construction, healthcare and business sectors. Las Vegas has a particularly large workforce where recruiting and employee management are important.
HR managers in hospitality may deal with high employee turnover, large hiring needs, training and employee relations. Experience managing these challenges can be valuable.
Human Resources Manager Salary in New Hampshire
The human resources manager salary in New Hampshire is supported by healthcare, manufacturing, technology and professional businesses. Its location in the New England business region also provides access to wider employment opportunities.
HR managers with corporate experience can compete for positions with larger organizations and multi-location companies.
Human Resources Manager Salary in New Jersey
The HR manager salary in New Jersey is among the highest in the country, with a median of around $172,440 per year. The state has many large pharmaceutical, healthcare, finance, technology and professional services companies.
Because many companies operate across the New York and Philadelphia business markets, HR managers may have responsibility for large or multi-state workforces. This can make experienced HR professionals highly valuable.
- Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies provide strong opportunities.
- Large corporate employers often have specialized HR departments.
- Multi-state HR experience can help professionals move into senior roles.
- Employee relations and compliance knowledge are important skills.
Human Resources Manager Salary in New Mexico
The human resources manager salary in New Mexico is below the national median, but HR managers can still earn a strong professional income. Healthcare, government, education, energy and local businesses all need HR professionals to manage employees and workplace programs.
In smaller organizations, an HR manager may handle many different duties at the same time. This can include hiring, employee benefits, training, workplace policies and employee relations. That broad experience can help when moving into a larger company.
Human Resources Manager Salary in New York
New York has one of the highest HR manager salaries in the United States. The median annual salary is around $176,650. New York City is a major center for finance, technology, media, healthcare, retail and professional services, creating many high-level HR opportunities.
HR managers working for large corporations may manage big HR teams or support employees across several offices. Senior HR professionals with experience in compensation, talent management, employee relations and organizational development can have especially strong earning potential.
- New York City provides many corporate HR opportunities.
- Finance and professional services can offer higher compensation.
- Large companies may provide bonuses in addition to base salary.
- Senior HR positions can move into HR director and executive roles.
Human Resources Manager Salary in North Carolina
The HR manager salary in North Carolina is supported by the state's growing business economy. Technology, healthcare, banking, manufacturing and professional services are important employers.
Charlotte and the Research Triangle area provide opportunities for HR managers working with large companies. Professionals with recruiting, employee relations and workforce planning skills can find a range of management positions.
Human Resources Manager Salary in North Dakota
The human resources manager salary in North Dakota is below the national median. However, the state has HR opportunities in healthcare, energy, agriculture, manufacturing and government.
HR managers in smaller companies often need to be generalists who understand several areas of human resources. This can make broad HR knowledge especially useful in the local employment market.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Ohio
The HR manager salary in Ohio is supported by a large and diverse economy. Manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics and professional services employ many HR professionals.
Ohio also has several major metropolitan areas, giving experienced HR managers different career options. Professionals working for large manufacturing or healthcare organizations may manage substantial workforces.
- Manufacturing is an important HR employment sector.
- Healthcare organizations need experienced HR leadership.
- Employee relations and labor knowledge can be valuable.
- Large companies may offer better overall compensation.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Oklahoma
The human resources manager salary in Oklahoma is below the national median. Energy, healthcare, manufacturing, aviation and government are among the industries where HR professionals can find opportunities.
An experienced HR manager who understands recruitment, employee relations and workplace compliance can be valuable to companies with large workforces.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Oregon
The HR manager salary in Oregon is supported by technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and professional services. Portland is the largest business center and provides opportunities with many different types of employers.
Companies with competitive hiring markets may place greater importance on talent acquisition, employee retention and workplace culture. HR managers who understand these areas can have good career opportunities.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Pennsylvania
The human resources manager salary in Pennsylvania is supported by a broad economy that includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, finance, insurance and professional services.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide major employment markets, while many other parts of the state have manufacturing and healthcare employers. HR managers can therefore find both corporate and generalist management roles.
- Healthcare is a major HR employment sector.
- Finance and insurance can provide corporate HR opportunities.
- Manufacturing companies need workforce and employee relations support.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Rhode Island
The HR manager salary in Rhode Island is among the higher state salary levels. The state's healthcare, education, professional services and business sectors create opportunities for HR management professionals.
Because Rhode Island is a smaller state, professionals may also compete for positions connected with the larger New England employment market. Experience with corporate HR systems can be helpful.
Human Resources Manager Salary in South Carolina
The human resources manager salary in South Carolina is below the national median, but the state has a growing manufacturing, healthcare, automotive and business economy.
Manufacturing expansion can create demand for HR managers who understand recruiting, workforce planning, employee relations and training. These skills are useful when companies are adding new employees quickly.
Human Resources Manager Salary in South Dakota
The HR manager salary in South Dakota is below the U.S. median. Healthcare, finance, agriculture, manufacturing and local businesses provide HR management opportunities.
HR professionals working in smaller organizations often manage a wide range of responsibilities. Building experience in several HR functions can help with future career advancement.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Tennessee
The human resources manager salary in Tennessee is supported by healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, entertainment and professional services. Nashville, Memphis and other major cities provide different types of HR jobs.
Large healthcare and manufacturing employers can require HR managers to manage significant workforces. Experience with recruitment and employee retention can be particularly useful.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Texas
The HR manager salary in Texas is an important search because Texas has one of the largest employment markets in the country. Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and other cities have large companies across technology, energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing and transportation.
The state median salary is around $136,500 per year, but individual salaries can vary widely. An HR manager at a large corporation may earn considerably more than an HR manager at a small company.
- Texas has a very large and diverse job market.
- Energy and technology companies employ experienced HR professionals.
- Healthcare provides many HR management opportunities.
- Large corporate employers may provide bonuses and additional benefits.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Utah
The human resources manager salary in Utah is supported by the state's growing technology, healthcare, finance, construction and professional services sectors.
Salt Lake City and surrounding areas have experienced business growth, creating demand for HR professionals who can recruit workers, build employee programs and help companies retain talent.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Vermont
The HR manager salary in Vermont is below the national median. Healthcare, education, tourism, government and local businesses are important employers.
Because many employers are smaller, an HR manager may handle several HR functions personally. This can provide broad practical experience in recruitment, benefits and employee relations.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Virginia
The human resources manager salary in Virginia is one of the stronger salary levels in the country, with a median of about $165,980 per year. Northern Virginia has a large concentration of technology, government contracting, professional services and corporate employers.
HR managers working with government contractors and large corporations may have responsibility for complex workforce programs. Compliance, recruiting and employee relations skills can therefore be highly useful.
- Northern Virginia has a strong corporate employment market.
- Government contractors employ many HR professionals.
- Technology companies can offer competitive HR salaries.
- Experienced managers may progress into HR director roles.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Washington
The HR manager salary in Washington state is among the highest in the country, with a median of approximately $165,530 per year. Seattle is a major technology and business center, with large employers across technology, healthcare, retail and professional services.
Technology companies can have large HR departments and complex employee programs. HR managers with experience in talent acquisition, compensation, organizational development and employee relations may have strong earning potential.
Human Resources Manager Salary in West Virginia
The human resources manager salary in West Virginia is below the national median. Healthcare, government, manufacturing, education and other local industries provide HR employment opportunities.
HR managers in smaller organizations may have a broad role and handle many parts of the employee lifecycle. This can be useful experience for professionals who later want to work for larger employers.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Wisconsin
The HR manager salary in Wisconsin is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, finance, food production and professional services. Milwaukee and Madison provide larger employment markets for HR professionals.
Manufacturing companies may need HR managers who understand employee relations, workforce planning and recruitment. Strong communication skills are also important for working with both employees and business managers.
Human Resources Manager Salary in Wyoming
The human resources manager salary in Wyoming is below the national median. Energy, government, tourism, construction and healthcare are important employment sectors.
HR managers in Wyoming may work in smaller organizations where they handle several HR responsibilities. Professionals who develop broad knowledge across recruitment, benefits, compliance and employee relations can build a useful career foundation.
How Much Does a Human Resources Manager Make?
The answer to how much does a human resources manager make depends on experience, location, industry and employer. The national median annual wage is about $149,280, but the actual salary can range from below $100,000 to well above $200,000 for experienced professionals and senior management positions.
A new manager may start closer to the lower end of the salary range, while a senior HR manager at a large corporation may earn considerably more. Bonuses and other compensation can also increase total yearly earnings.
Human Resources Manager Starting Salary
The human resources manager starting salary is normally lower than the national median because most people first build experience in HR specialist, HR generalist or related roles before becoming a manager.
Education, previous HR experience and the size of the employer all matter. Someone promoted internally after several years may start at a different salary than someone hired by a large company into a management position.
- A bachelor's degree is common for HR management careers.
- HR specialist or generalist experience can help before becoming a manager.
- Strong communication and leadership skills are important.
- Knowledge of employment laws and workplace policies can be valuable.
Senior Human Resources Manager Salary
A senior HR manager salary can be significantly higher than the salary of a new HR manager. Senior managers may supervise HR teams, support multiple company locations or work closely with executives.
At this level, the job is not only about hiring employees. Senior HR managers can become involved in workforce strategy, compensation planning, organizational development, leadership development and major employee decisions.
Professionals who move from HR manager to HR director, vice president of human resources or another executive HR position can potentially increase their total compensation substantially.
HR Manager Salary by Industry
The industry where an HR manager works can make a major difference in salary. BLS wage data shows that HR managers working in different industries can have different median pay levels. Large professional organizations and corporate employers can often provide higher compensation than smaller organizations.
Some industries also have more complex HR requirements. Technology companies may need large talent acquisition programs, manufacturing companies may deal with workforce and labor issues, while healthcare organizations can have large employee populations and specialized staffing needs.
- Professional and technical services: Often a strong-paying area for HR managers.
- Management of companies: Large corporate HR departments can offer high compensation.
- Government: HR managers may receive structured salaries and benefits.
- Healthcare: Large healthcare systems need HR managers to support large workforces.
- Manufacturing: HR managers can be involved in workforce planning and employee relations.
Human Resources Manager Benefits and Other Compensation
Salary is only one part of an HR manager's compensation package. Many full-time HR managers can receive benefits in addition to their base pay. The exact package depends on the employer, industry and job level.
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Retirement plans such as a 401(k)
- Employer retirement contributions
- Annual or performance-based bonuses
- Life and disability insurance
- Professional development and training
- Paid holidays
- Flexible or hybrid work arrangements at some companies
For a senior HR manager, bonuses and other benefits can make a noticeable difference to total compensation. This is why comparing only the base salary does not always show the full value of an HR management job.
What Does a Human Resources Manager Do?
A human resources manager handles the planning and coordination of an organization's HR activities. The exact duties depend on the employer, but the position normally combines people management, business planning and workplace administration.
- Planning recruitment and hiring activities
- Managing HR staff and assigning responsibilities
- Handling employee relations issues
- Managing compensation and benefits programs
- Supporting training and employee development
- Creating and updating workplace policies
- Helping managers deal with employee problems
- Supporting legal and regulatory compliance
- Managing performance and employee evaluation programs
- Preparing HR reports and workforce information
Education Needed to Become an HR Manager
Most human resources managers have a bachelor's degree and previous experience in human resources or a related business field. Common educational backgrounds include human resources, business administration, management and related subjects.
A degree alone does not normally make someone an HR manager immediately. Employers often want candidates who understand how HR works in a real workplace. Experience in recruiting, employee relations, compensation, benefits or HR operations can be very useful.
Skills Needed for a Human Resources Manager
HR management is a people-focused career, but it also requires business and organizational skills. A good HR manager needs to communicate with employees, managers and company leadership while keeping workplace information organized.
- Strong communication skills
- Leadership and team management
- Problem-solving ability
- Knowledge of HR policies and employment practices
- Conflict resolution skills
- Recruiting and interviewing knowledge
- Compensation and benefits knowledge
- Confidentiality and professional judgment
- Organization and time management
- Ability to use HR software and data
Human Resources Manager Job Outlook
The human resources manager job outlook in the United States is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of human resources managers to grow by about 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than many occupations.
BLS also projects about 17,700 openings for human resources managers each year over the decade, on average. Openings can come from new positions as well as workers who retire, leave the occupation or move into other jobs.
Companies will continue to need HR managers because organizations need people to recruit workers, manage employee programs, develop workplace policies and deal with changing workforce needs.
Is Human Resources Manager a Good Career?
For people who enjoy working with employees while also being interested in business, human resources manager can be a good career. The salary is strong, experienced managers can reach senior leadership positions and HR skills are needed across many industries.
The job also comes with responsibility. HR managers may need to handle employee conflicts, sensitive workplace situations, hiring problems and difficult management decisions. So it is not always an easy office job. Good communication, patience and professional judgment are important.
Final Thoughts on Human Resources Manager Salary
The human resources manager salary in the USA is strong compared with many other professional careers. The national median annual wage is about $149,280, while several states have median salaries above $165,000. Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and California are among the highest-paying states in the state-level data.
However, salary should not be the only factor when choosing this career. Experience, industry, company size, location and responsibility can all change how much an HR manager earns. Someone starting in HR may need several years of experience before reaching management, but the long-term earning potential can be very good.
For professionals who build strong HR knowledge, leadership skills and business experience, the career can also lead to positions such as HR Director, Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. That makes human resources management not only a good salary career, but also a possible long-term leadership path.