What Is an HR Analyst?

Human resources (HR) departments can leverage data to evaluate employee performance and business trends to help achieve company goals. In today’s technologically driven business climate, acquiring and analyzing data to improve an organization is easier than ever.

The field of HR analytics is growing, with a reported $2.96 billion market size in the US in 2022 and projections to grow by 14.8 percent annually through 2030 [1]. As an HR analyst, you can play a pivotal role on a human resources team, helping to collect and analyze workforce data to develop effective hiring practices and even boost employee satisfaction. 

Learn more about a career as an HR analyst, including job duties, average HR analyst salary, and education and certifications that can prepare you for the role. 

What is HR analytics?

HR analytics involves collecting, processing, and interpreting human resources metrics and data to improve employee performance, evaluate retention issues, and enhance recruitment. This field focuses on employee-level factors impacting an organization's overall success or growth. 

For example, HR analytics may evaluate employee retention data to identify the best avenues for recruiting new employees, whether through internal hires or job ads on social media sites. On an individual level, HR analytics can assess employees’ efficiency and productivity, determining how such factors as continuing education, training, and absenteeism impact an employee’s success.

The HR analytics process may begin with descriptive analytics, where the team collects and evaluates current data. With this data, the HR analytics team can then move to the prescriptive analytics phase, where they’ll develop models that can predict employee turnover and other factors. Finally, the prescriptive analytics phase allows the HR team to develop solutions to help retain employees or improve the recruitment process. For example, as an HR analyst, you might find that your company has a below-average offer acceptance rate, with candidates citing the benefits package as a reason they aren’t accepting the job. You can address this finding with company leaders and highlight the need for a more competitive benefits package to attract candidates.

What is an HR analyst?

An HR analyst is a human resources professional who analyzes employee and business data. As an HR analyst, you’ll be responsible for collecting and analyzing HR data to make targeted recommendations to improve company performance. 

For example, you may evaluate employee feedback about their work experiences, identifying strategies to boost employee satisfaction or improve their quality of life. You’ll also collaborate with leadership and your HR department to develop and revise employee guidelines and policies to implement company-wide best practices. 

What does an HR analyst do?

As an HR analyst, your data collection will focus on workforce data, including turnover rates, retention figures, performance numbers, compensation, and training results. You’ll evaluate this data to identify ways to improve, from identifying strategies to boost employee satisfaction to improving retention to recommending adjustments to benefits and compensation.

Job responsibilities

As an HR analyst, you may complete the following job duties:

• Collect data from employees using surveys and other methods

• Evaluate historical data by analyzing employment records and exit-interview transcripts

• Analyze data to identify trends and patterns related to employee retention and turnover

• Identify issues that impact employee retention and job satisfaction

• Evaluate company policies and make recommendations to reduce costs

• Develop reports of findings and present these reports to key stakeholders and company leadership

• Implement data-driven policy changes or training that can enhance the employee experience

Is HR analyst entry level?

Yes, an HR analyst can be an entry-level position if you possess the right combination of education and skills. Often, these entry-level roles may feature the title junior HR analyst. After gaining experience in an entry-level HR position, you may apply for higher-level HR analyst roles. 

HR analyst salary

According to Glassdoor, as of April 2025, the average HR analyst salary is $66,282 [2]. Other job sites report comparable salaries, with ZipRecruiter reporting an average annual salary of $78,842 and Zippia reporting an average salary of $69,001 [3,4]. 

HR professionals work in various industries, which may impact pay, including professional services, health care, government, and manufacturing. Additionally, your location plays a role in your human resources salary, with some states, such as Washington or the District of Columbia, offering higher wages than others [4]. Consider these factors as you search for the right HR analyst role.

HR analyst job outlook 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the human resources field to grow between 2023 and 2033. While job growth data specific to HR analysts isn’t currently available, positions in related fields will increase. Expect HR manager roles to grow by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033 and HR specialist jobs to grow by 8 percent over the next decade [5,6]. As more companies adopt HR analytics, the need for HR analysts will grow. As an HR analyst, you’re in the position to help your organization stand out in an increasingly competitive job market, making you a valuable member of the team.

How to become an HR analyst 

The path to a rewarding career as an HR analyst begins with earning the required credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree in human resources or data analytics, and gaining experience to excel in the field. With this education and experience, you can help your organization identify employee turnover rates, common causes of absenteeism, or revenue earned per employee—all key metrics that can boost your organization's efficiency.

HR analyst skills

Developing HR analyst skills through education, internships, or job experience can help you excel in the role. Focus on these key skills:

• Data analysis skills, including using statistical tools and data visualization techniques

• Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements

• Effective written and oral communication skills to share key findings

• Strong organization skills

• Effective collaboration skills to work on the HR team

• Knowledge of HR systems 

Education requirements

To become an HR analyst, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business, data analytics, or a related field. While not typically necessary, a master’s degree in human resources or data analytics helps you further enhance your skills, preparing you for an HR analyst role or a future leadership position. 

In a human resources management degree program, you can develop your knowledge and skills in compensation, staffing, team-building concepts, organizational training, and labor relations. If you opt for a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about statistical data analysis, programming tools, and data visualization and reporting. 

HR analyst certification

Showcase your knowledge and skills to employers by earning a certification in HR analytics. Several universities offer online HR analytics certificate programs, which can help you build your skills in predictive analytics, performance measurement, and people analytics. Available certifications include:

• People Analytics Specialty Credential from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 

• People Analytics Certification from HR University

• Certified HR and Talent Analytics Manager (CHRA) from the Chartered Institute of Professional Certifications

You can also earn a Professional Certificate on Coursera to develop your data analysis skills. Consider these options:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Prepare for an HR analyst career on Coursera

Businesses are turning to data to make informed decisions about company strategies and policies, including human resources. As an HR analyst, you can find a rewarding career that challenges your analytical skills. Start developing your HR skills on Coursera with the University of Minnesota’s Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about alternative approaches to managing human resources and appreciating the diversity of factors that motivate workers. Begin your journey toward an HR career today.