The national median salary for an HR manager is $78,800, but salaries vary widely across geographies, according to a recent survey conducted by Salary.com . For example, HR managers in New York earn $92,100 annually—27 percent more than their counterparts in North Carolina. The national median target bonus for an HR manager is 10 percent.
The top three states in base median salary were New York, Massachusetts ($82,400), and Minnesota ($80,800). Measured in total cash compensation, New York was also first ($96,900), followed by Massachusetts ($82,400) and Minnesota ($92,400). The bottom three states were North Carolina ($72,500 in both median and cash benefits), Ohio ($67,300 in both categories), and Pennsylvania ($66,800 in both categories).
Compensation for HR professionals varies across industries as well, with the finance and insurance industry paying its HR managers $94,400, or 20 percent higher than the national median; the healthcare and social assistance industry pays $70,800 (11 percent lower than the national median).
“This survey reflects a good cross-section of the American economy,” said Joe Kilmartin, director of compensation at Salary.com. “As the HR function grows in importance, organizations can use our findings to ensure that their compensation attracts, motivates, and retains key employees.”
He also noted, “While the salaries for most HR jobs have grown at a predictable rate that is consistent with the overall growth in compensation, the salaries paid to top HR executives have increased considerably faster. This trend reflects the importance that top leadership places on managing their organizations’ human resources.”
Survey results were for 115 HR job titles from more than 360 organizations and split into more than 95 “scopes.” Participants represented a broad range of industries and organization sizes spanning from eight to 355,555 employees. The survey reported on pay practices in the Northeast, South, Midwest, Mountain States, and the West Coast. To learn more, visit http://hrsurvey.salary.com .
Salary.Com Survey: HR Executive Pay on the Rise
