Human Resources Managers
Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate HR activities for organizations of all sizes and industries. They oversee recruitment, employee relations, compensation, training, and compliance with labor laws. These managers work in corporate offices, government agencies, nonprofits, and other institutions where they serve as strategic partners between leadership and staff.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against human resources managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing job applications and interviewing candidates, meeting with department managers about staffing needs, handling employee complaints or performance issues, updating HR policies to meet legal requirements, and analyzing compensation data. HR managers might attend a budget meeting, conduct new-hire orientations, coordinate benefits enrollment, or investigate workplace complaints. The work combines administrative tasks with problem-solving and planning.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy organizing systems, following procedures, and working with people to solve problems. You're drawn to building efficient processes and ensuring organizations run smoothly. You likely prefer working toward concrete goals and take satisfaction in implementing policies that affect how organizations function.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- HR Manager - People · Vyve Broadband · United States · Remote
- Employee Relations and HR Compliance Manager (North America) · ELP Consult Ltd. · United States · Remote
- Manager, Client Experience (HR Technology, HRIS/HCM) · livingHR · USA · Remote
- Human Resources Specialist (SES Program Manager) · Defense Contract Audit Agency · Fort Belvoir, Virginia · $143913–$187093
- Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Customer Engagement and HR Service Strategy Mgr) · Federal Aviation Administration · FAA Nationwide-Selectee Remains in Current Duty Location · $112283–$173980
- Human Resources Manager · U.S. Courts · Alexandria, Virginia · $70623–$187093
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $141,420 | $184,350 | $211,580 | 2,250 |
| Massachusetts | $136,600 | $181,780 | $229,510 | 7,540 |
| New York | $133,180 | $176,650 | $231,380 | 17,920 |
| New Jersey | $135,940 | $172,440 | $218,050 | 6,400 |
| California | $129,210 | $170,080 | $224,990 | 27,450 |
| Rhode Island | $125,040 | $167,110 | $218,530 | 530 |
| Colorado | $133,100 | $166,400 | $208,030 | 3,620 |
| Virginia | $129,800 | $165,980 | $209,960 | 5,770 |
| Connecticut | $127,940 | $165,930 | $213,770 | 3,020 |
| Washington | $131,210 | $165,530 | $211,210 | 4,560 |
| Delaware | $104,150 | $153,890 | $209,040 | 580 |
| Minnesota | $121,580 | $153,770 | $195,190 | 4,370 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRi) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Associate Professional in Human Resources - International (aPHRi) — Human Resource Certification Institute
- Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) — International Association for Human Resource Information Management
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) — Human Resource Certification Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against human resources managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3121.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.