Human Resources Managers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required
Human resources managers usually need a bachelors degree. Candidates may earn a bachelors degree in human resources or in another field, such as finance, business management, education, or information technology. Courses in subjects such as conflict management or industrial psychology may be helpful.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 9% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Although certification is voluntary, it can show professional expertise and credibility, and it may enhance advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire certified candidates, and some positions may require certification. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), WorldatWork, and International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans are among many professional associations that offer a variety of certification programs.
Median pay: How much do Human Resources Managers make?
$106,910 Annual Salary
$51.40 per hour

Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organizations management and its employees.

What do Human Resources Managers do?

Human resources managers typically do the following:

  • Plan and coordinate an organizations workforce to best use employees talents
  • Link an organizations management with its employees
  • Plan and oversee employee benefit programs
  • Serve as a consultant with other managers advising them on human resources issues, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment
  • Coordinate and supervise the work of specialists and support staff
  • Oversee an organizations recruitment, interview, selection, and hiring processes
  • Handle staffing issues, such as mediating disputes and directing disciplinary procedures

Every organization wants to attract, motivate, and keep qualified employees and match them to jobs for which they are well-suited. Human resources managers accomplish this aim by directing the administrative functions of human resources departments. Their work involves overseeing employee relations, securing regulatory compliance, and administering employee-related services such as payroll, training, and benefits. They supervise the departments specialists and support staff and make sure that tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Human resources managers also consult with top executives regarding the organizations strategic planning and talent management issues. They identify ways to maximize the value of the organizations employees and ensure that they are used as efficiently as possible. For example, they might assess worker productivity and recommend changes to the organizations structure to help the organization meet budgetary goals.

Some human resources managers oversee all aspects of an organizations human resources department, including the compensation and benefits program and the training and development program. In many larger organizations, these programs are directed by specialized managers, such as compensation and benefits managers and training and development managers.

The following are examples of types of human resources managers:

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