How to become human resources managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$149,280

25th–75th pct. $111,110–$199,290

Top pay (est.)

$348,200

Top 10% $267,810

Pay in 5 years

$171,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$196,300est.

$168,800–$227,900

Outlook score

62/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

60%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.5%

17K openings / yr

How to become human resources managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Human Resources Managers

Key skills

Management of Personnel Resources

4.8

Reading Comprehension

4.4

Judgment and Decision Making

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.2

Time Management

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Social Perceptiveness

4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources

6.1

Education and Training

5.6

Customer and Personal Service

5.0

Administration and Management

5.0

English Language

4.7

Administrative

4.5

Mathematics

4.0

Computers and Electronics

4.0

What the work involves

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing Others

Important abilities

Speech RecognitionSpeech ClarityOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

82%

Post-bachelor's certificate

Master's degree

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

41%

6–12 months

23%

1–3 months

23%

2–4 years

None / short demo

Related work experience

4–6 years

64%

1–2 years

14%

6–8 years

8–10 years

Over 10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as human resources managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.