How much does a HR Manager make in 2026?
The national median HR Manager salary is $130,000 per year. HR managers oversee hiring, employee relations, compensation, and compliance for an organization.
HR Manager salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,600 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $169,000 | View → |
| New York, NY | $166,400 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $149,500 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $145,600 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $143,000 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $137,800 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $135,200 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $128,700 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $127,400 | View → |
What does a HR Manager do?
HR managers oversee hiring, employee relations, compensation, and compliance for an organization.
- Lead hiring efforts
- Handle employee relations
- Run performance reviews
- Manage benefits programs
- Ensure HR compliance
How to become a HR Manager
A bachelor's in HR, business or psychology is typical. SHRM-CP or PHR certification is increasingly expected.
Related job salaries
FAQ — HR Manager salary
What is the average HR Manager salary in the United States?+
The national median HR Manager salary is $130,000 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays HR Managers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $184,600/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level HR Manager make?+
Entry-level HR Managers typically earn around $120,000 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the HR Manager job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +5% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a HR Manager?+
A bachelor's in HR, business or psychology is typical. SHRM-CP or PHR certification is increasingly expected.
Are you being paid fairly?
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