Human resources managers held about 152,100 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of human resources managers were as follows:
Management of companies and enterprises | 14% |
Professional, scientific, and technical services | 14 |
Manufacturing | 12 |
Government | 9 |
Healthcare and social assistance | 9 |
Human resources managers work in offices. Some managers, especially those working for organizations that have offices nationwide, must travel to visit other branches as well as to attend professional meetings or recruit employees.
Work Schedules
Most human resources managers work full time during regular business hours. Some human resources managers work more than 40 hours per week.
Candidates need a combination of education and several years of related work experience to become a human resources manager. Although a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most positions, some jobs require a master’s degree.
Education
Human resources managers usually need a bachelor’s degree. Candidates may earn a bachelor’s 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.
Some higher level jobs require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration (MBA).
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
To demonstrate abilities in organizing, directing, and leading others, human resources managers must have related work experience. Some managers start out as human resources specialists or labor relations specialists.
Management positions typically require an understanding of human resources programs, such as compensation and benefits plans; human resources software; and federal, state, and local employment laws.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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.
Human resources managers typically have an interest in the Helping and Persuading interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Helping or Persuading interest which might fit with a career as a human resources manager, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Human resources managers should also possess the following specific qualities:
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. Many of their decisions have a significant impact on workers or operations, such as deciding whether to fire an employee.
Interpersonal skills. Human resources managers need strong interpersonal skills because they regularly interact with people. They often collaborate on teams and must develop positive working relationships with their colleagues.
Leadership skills. Human resources managers must be able to direct a staff and oversee the operations of their department. They must coordinate work activities and ensure that workers in the department complete their duties and fulfill their responsibilities.
Organizational skills . Organizational skills are essential for human resources managers. They must be able to manage several projects at once and prioritize tasks.
Speaking skills. Human resources managers rely on speaking skills to give presentations and direct their staff. They must clearly communicate information and instructions to their staff and other employees.
The median annual wage for human resources managers was $116,720 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $205,720.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for human resources managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Professional, scientific, and technical services | $131,340 |
Management of companies and enterprises | 129,510 |
Manufacturing | 115,000 |
Government | 102,660 |
Healthcare and social assistance | 99,380 |
Most human resources managers work full time during regular business hours. Some human resources managers work more than 40 hours per week.
Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment growth depends largely on the performance and growth of individual companies. As new companies form and organizations expand their operations, they will need more human resources managers to oversee and administer their programs.
Human resources managers also will be needed to ensure that firms adhere to changing and complex employment laws regarding occupational safety and health, equal employment opportunity, healthcare, wages, and retirement plans.
Job Prospects
Although job opportunities are expected to vary with the staffing needs of individual companies, strong competition can be expected for most positions.
Candidates with certification or a master’s degree—particularly those with a concentration in human resources management—should have the best job prospects.
For more information about human resources managers, including certification, visit
Society for Human Resource Management
International Public Management Association for Human Resources
For information about careers and certification in employee compensation and benefits, visit
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
For information about careers in employee training and development and certification, visit
Association for Talent Development
International Society for Performance Improvement