The 25 Highest-Paying Human Resources Jobs in 2024

Regarding human resources jobs pay, knowing the potential earnings can shape your career decisions. 

As someone who’s navigated the job market for years, I’ve noticed a rising demand for Human Resources professionals who bring strategy and empathy to their roles. 

Understanding which Human Resources jobs offer the highest pay in 2024 can help you make informed choices for your future. 

In this article, I’ll break down the top-paying Human Resources roles, why they’re in demand, and how to position yourself to land one. Let’s dive into the numbers.

The 25 Human Resources Jobs Pay in 2024

In 2024, human resources professionals continue to command impressive salaries, particularly in leadership and specialized roles. 

Here’s a look at the 25 highest-paying Human Resources jobs in 2024, giving you insights into what these positions involve and their earning potential.

1. Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

The CHRO is the highest-ranking Human Resources professional overseeing all aspects of human resources within a company. 

They work closely with the CEO to align Human Resources strategies with business goals. Depending on the company’s size and industry, CHROs can expect to earn over $250,000 annually.

2. Vice President of Human Resources

The Vice President of Human Resources oversees the Human Resources department and implements strategic Human Resources initiatives. 

This role demands strong leadership and expertise in talent management. VPs of Human Resources typically earn between $180,000 and $220,000 annually.

3. Human Resources Director

Human Resources Directors manage the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department and ensure that HR policies align with the company’s objectives. 

They oversee recruitment, training, and relations, with salaries ranging from $120,000 to $170,000.

4. Compensation and Benefits Manager

This role involves designing and managing the company’s compensation structures and benefits programs. 

Compensation and Benefits Managers ensure the company’s offerings are competitive and compliant with labor laws, earning between $110,000 and $150,000 annually.

5. Talent Acquisition Director

The Talent Acquisition Director leads recruitment efforts, ensuring the company attracts top talent to meet its growth objectives. 

This role involves managing recruitment teams and aligning hiring practices with business goals. Talent Acquisition Directors earn between $115,000 and $160,000 annually.

6. Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers create training programs to help employees grow professionally. 

Their work focuses on improving employee performance and retention, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $140,000.

7. Diversity and Inclusion Director

This role promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace. 

Diversity and Inclusion Directors develop strategies to create more inclusive environments, earning between $110,000 and $150,000 annually.

8. Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers mediate workplace disputes, address employee concerns, and ensure the company complies with labor laws. 

This critical role supports positive employee relations, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $130,000.

9. HR Business Partner

HR Business Partners work closely with department heads to align Human Resources policies with business needs. 

They act as a bridge between Human Resources and other departments, earning between $95,000 and $135,000 annually.

10. Global Mobility Manager

Global Mobility Managers manage the relocation of employees for international assignments, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and facilitating smooth transitions. 

Their expertise in international Human Resources issues earns them salaries between $100,000 and $145,000.

11. Organizational Development Manager

This role focuses on improving organizational performance through employee development and change management strategies. 

Organizational Development Managers earn between $105,000 and $150,000 annually.

12. HR Analytics Manager

HR Analytics Managers analyze workforce data to inform Human Resources strategies and decision-making. 

Their ability to use data to drive Human Resources initiatives leads to salaries ranging from $100,000 to $145,000 annually.

13. Compensation Consultant

Compensation Consultants advise companies on salary structures and benefit packages to ensure competitiveness in the job market. 

These consultants typically earn between $110,000 and $160,000 annually.

14. Benefits Director

Benefits Directors oversee the design and management of employee benefits programs, ensuring they are cost-effective and attractive to employees. 

They typically earn between $120,000 and $175,000 annually.

15. Recruiting Director

Recruiting Directors oversee the company’s hiring efforts and develop strategies to attract top talent. 

This role involves managing recruitment teams and improving hiring processes. Labor statistics show that salaries range from $105,000 to $155,000.

16. HRIS Manager

HRIS Managers oversee the implementation and maintenance of human resources information systems (HRIS). 

They ensure that Human Resources technology supports the company’s Human Resources operations, earning between $95,000 and $140,000 annually.

17. Labor Relations Director

Labor Relations Directors manage the company’s union relationship and handle collective bargaining agreements. 

They work to resolve labor disputes, with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $165,000 annually.

18. Workforce Planning Manager

Workforce Planning Managers analyze and forecast the company’s workforce needs, ensuring the right talent is in place to meet business goals. 

They typically earn between $95,000 and $140,000 annually.

19. Compensation Analyst

Compensation Analysts assess the company’s salary structures and recommend remaining competitive. 

Their work sets pay scales, earning between $85,000 and $130,000 annually with labor statistics.

20. Employee Engagement Manager

This role focuses on creating programs that enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Employee Engagement Managers typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually.

21. Payroll Director

Payroll Directors oversee the company’s payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely employee payments with labor statistics. 

They manage compliance with tax laws and payroll regulations, earning between $100,000 and $140,000 annually.

22. Training and Development Director

Training and Development Directors design and implement training programs that improve employee skills and performance. 

This role is critical for employee growth, with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $160,000 annually with a bachelor’s degree.

23. HR Compliance Manager

Human Resources Compliance Managers ensure the company complies with employment laws and regulations. 

They are responsible for staying up-to-date with changes in the law, and their salaries range from $95,000 to $140,000 annually.

24. Talent Management Director

Talent Management Directors oversee employee development, performance management, and succession strategic planning. 

They help ensure the company has the talent needed for future success, earning between $120,000 and $170,000 annually.

25. Executive Recruiter

Executive Recruiters specialize in finding top-level candidates for senior positions within companies. 

They are often hired by large organizations or recruitment firms and typically earn between $110,000 and $150,000 annually.

Conclusion

When considering human resources jobs pay, it’s clear that leadership and specialized roles respond to the highest rewards with a bachelor’s degree. 

From my experience working within Human Resources, I’ve seen how the right combination of skills, knowledge, and strategic thinking can lead to significant career growth and financial success. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, focusing on these top-paying roles can open doors to new opportunities in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HR make a lot of money?

Yes, Human Resources professionals, especially those in senior roles, can earn substantial salaries. 

High-ranking positions such as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or Vice President of Human Resources are among the most lucrative, with salaries ranging from $180,000 to over $250,000 annually. 

These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills, as they involve overseeing complex HR operations and aligning Human Resources policies with business strategies. 

Even mid-level HR roles, such as Human Resources Directors or Compensation and Benefits Managers, offer six-figure salaries in many companies, especially in larger organizations or industries with higher demands for talent management and compliance expertise with a bachelor’s degree.

Is Human Resources a good salary?

Human resources offers a substantial salary range across various roles, particularly for those with specialized skills or leadership experience. 

For instance, Compensation Managers, Relations Managers, and Talent Acquisition Directors can all expect competitive pay, often between $90,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on their expertise and the company size. 

Moreover, HR professionals working in industries with higher regulations or those focusing on technology and global mobility can also command above-average salaries. 

The highest levels of HR roles may start lower, but they often offer clear career paths leading to more senior positions with excellent earning potential.

What job in HR pays the most?

The highest-paying HR job is typically the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) with a bachelor’s degree. 

The CHRO oversees the entire human resources function, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and strategic planning. 

As the top HR executive in an organization, the CHRO works closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to align HR strategies with the company’s overall goals. 

Given the level of responsibility and impact on the organization, CHROs can earn upwards of $250,000 annually, with some salaries even reaching higher depending on the company size, industry, and location. 

Other highly paid HR roles include Vice President of HR and Global HR Director, who can earn between $180,000 and $220,000.

What is the best HR salary?

The best HR salaries are in executive and leadership roles, such as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Vice President of Human Resources managers. 

These positions offer some of the highest compensation in HR, with CHROs earning over $250,000 annually in many organizations. 

Salaries in these top roles depend on factors such as the company’s size and industry, its geographic location, and the complexity of the HR challenges being managed with a bachelor’s degree. 

Additionally, specialized Human Resources Managers positions like Global Mobility Directors, Compensation Directors, and Diversity and Inclusion Executives can offer competitive salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 or more, reflecting the growing importance of HR expertise.