HR Manager Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$140,000
national median salary
$106,000 to $190,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $149,280 for Human Resources Managers (SOC 11-3121) across the United States, based on 220,660 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$88,200
25th percentile
$111,110
Median
$149,280
75th percentile
$199,290
90th percentile
$267,810
Workers surveyed
220,660
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$140,030
May 2025 release
$149,280
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Human Resources Managers (SOC 11-3121) rather than HR Managerspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 11-3121Highest Paying
$199,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$146,000
Washington DC, DC
Lowest Paying
$106,000
Charleston, WV
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 11-3121. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average HR Manager salary in the United States at $140,000 in 2026, within a range of $106,000 to $190,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Jose is the highest of the 81 cities at $199,000, while Washington DC offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Company size, industry, and HR specialization are the main factors.
HR Manager salary by city.
Skills that increase HR Manager pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for HR Managers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $19,600 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$19,600 per year
≈ +$18,200 per year
≈ +$16,800 per year
≈ +$15,400 per year
≈ +$15,400 per year
≈ +$14,000 per year
≈ +$14,000 per year
≈ +$12,600 per year
What you should know.
Company size, industry, and HR specialization are the main factors. HR managers at tech companies and financial institutions earn 15 to 25% more than those in retail or nonprofit. Specialists in compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, or people analytics command higher pay than generalists. SHRM or HRCI certification also adds value.
HR coordinators start at $48,000 to $62,000, advancing to HR manager at $85,000 to $120,000 in three to five years. Senior HR managers earn $115,000 to $150,000. HR directors reach $150,000 to $200,000, and VPs of People or CHROs at mid to large companies can earn $250,000 to $400,000.
Bonuses of 8 to 15% are standard, often tied to retention metrics, engagement scores, or hiring targets. Equity is available at tech companies, adding $10,000 to $40,000. Benefits packages for HR managers are typically among the best at any company, reflecting their role in designing those same packages.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote HR Managers typically earn $119,000 (15% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about HR Manager pay.
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