Are you searching for "28 hr to salary"? You've landed in the right place. While this specific search term might be a typo, it points toward a popular and rewarding career path: Human Resources (HR). An HR career is a dynamic journey that places you at the very heart of an organization's success—its people. It offers strong earning potential, with HR Managers earning a median salary of $130,000 per year.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about HR salaries, from your first day as a coordinator to your role as a strategic leader. We'll explore the factors that shape your paycheck and the promising future of this essential profession.
What Does an HR Professional Do?
A Human Resources professional is much more than just a hiring manager or policy enforcer. Today's HR experts are strategic partners who manage a company's most valuable asset: its employees. Their responsibilities are broad and critical to a healthy workplace culture and a thriving business.
Key duties often include:
- Talent Acquisition: Recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new employees.
- Employee Relations: Mediating conflicts, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive work environment.
- Compensation and Benefits: Designing competitive salary structures, managing payroll, and administering benefits packages like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Training and Development: Onboarding new hires and creating programs to help current employees grow their skills.
- Compliance: Ensuring the company adheres to federal, state, and local employment laws.
- HRIS Management: Overseeing the Human Resources Information Systems that store and manage employee data.
Average HR Salary: What to Expect
HR salaries can vary significantly based on role, experience, and location. To provide a clear picture, let's look at the data for two core roles: HR Specialist (a non-management role) and HR Manager (a leadership role).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for HR professionals in May 2022 were:
- Human Resources Specialists: $67,650 per year ($32.52 per hour). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,650, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,670.
- Human Resources Managers: $130,000 per year ($62.50 per hour). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $232,370.
This wide range highlights that while entry-level positions offer a solid starting salary, the potential for high six-figure earnings is significant as you advance in your career.
Key Factors That Influence HR Salary
Your specific salary within those broad ranges will depend on several key factors. Understanding these variables can help you strategically navigate your career path to maximize your earning potential.
### Level of Education
Education forms the foundation of your HR career. While a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is the standard entry requirement, advanced degrees and certifications can unlock higher-paying roles.
- Bachelor's Degree: The typical requirement for entry-level to mid-level roles like HR Coordinator or Generalist.
- Master's Degree: A Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) or an MBA with an HR concentration is often preferred for leadership positions like HR Manager, Director, or Vice President. It signals advanced, strategic knowledge and can lead to a significant salary increase.
- Certifications: Professional certifications are highly valued. Earning a credential like the SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP from the Society for Human Resource Management or the PHR/SPHR from HRCI demonstrates proven expertise and can make you a more competitive—and higher-paid—candidate.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary growth in HR. As you gain more experience, you take on more complex and strategic responsibilities, which is reflected in your compensation.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Roles like HR Assistant or Coordinator. Payscale reports an average salary in the range of $45,000 - $55,000.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): Roles like HR Generalist or Specialist. You can expect to earn closer to the national median, typically from $60,000 to $80,000.
- Senior/Leadership (8+ years): Roles like HR Manager, Senior HR Business Partner, or Director. In these positions, salaries often climb well into six figures, from $95,000 to $150,000+, as shown by data from aggregators like Salary.com.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries are adjusted for the local cost of living and the demand for skilled professionals in that market. Metropolitan areas with a high concentration of corporate headquarters tend to offer the highest wages.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for HR Managers include:
1. New Jersey: $188,140 (annual mean wage)
2. New York: $185,130
3. District of Columbia: $178,800
4. California: $168,760
5. Massachusetts: $163,800
Working in a major city like New York, San Francisco, or Boston will almost always yield a higher salary than working in a smaller town or rural area.
### Company Type
The size and industry of your employer play a huge role in your paycheck.
- Industry: High-revenue industries like technology, finance, and professional services typically pay the most for HR talent. According to the BLS, the top-paying industry for HR Managers is "Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services," with an annual mean wage of $157,980.
- Company Size: Large, multinational corporations (Fortune 500 companies) generally have larger budgets and more complex HR needs, leading to higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits packages compared to small businesses or non-profits.
### Area of Specialization
As you advance in your HR career, you may choose to specialize. Certain high-demand specializations can command higher salaries due to the specific skills required.
- Compensation and Benefits Manager: These professionals design and manage salary structures and benefits, a role that directly impacts the company's bottom line. Salary.com places the median salary for this role around $130,500.
- HRIS Analyst/Manager: Experts in Human Resources Information Systems are in high demand as companies rely more on data and technology. Their technical skills often lead to above-average pay.
- Talent Acquisition Manager: In competitive job markets, skilled recruiters who can attract top talent are invaluable and compensated accordingly.
- Employee Relations Manager: Specialists who handle complex legal and ethical issues are critical for mitigating risk, a responsibility that warrants higher pay.
Job Outlook
The future for HR professionals is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for both HR Specialists and HR Managers will grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2022 and 2032.
- HR Specialists: Projected to grow 6%, resulting in about 67,700 new jobs.
- HR Managers: Projected to grow 5%, resulting in about 10,200 new jobs.
This growth is driven by the need to recruit and retain talent, administer complex benefits and compensation packages, and navigate an ever-changing landscape of employment laws.
Conclusion
If your search for "28 hr to salary" led you here, you've uncovered a career path with immense potential for growth, impact, and financial reward. A career in Human Resources offers a stable and promising future, but your earning potential is not static. It's a direct reflection of the value you build through your education, experience, and strategic career choices.
Key Takeaways:
- Strong Earning Potential: HR is a lucrative field, with leadership roles comfortably reaching six-figure salaries.
- Growth is Key: Your salary will grow significantly as you move from entry-level to senior and specialized positions.
- Be Strategic: Maximize your earnings by pursuing higher education, earning certifications, and targeting high-paying industries and locations.
- A Secure Future: With faster-than-average job growth projected by the BLS, HR remains a secure and in-demand profession.
For anyone passionate about people, strategy, and building better workplaces, a career in Human Resources is an excellent investment in your professional future.