What Is a Human Resources Manager? Tasks, Salaries, and Requirements

A human resources (HR) manager oversees a company's HR operations. They're often seen as leaders, responsible for setting strategy for employee relations, recruitment, benefits, training, compensation, and compliance. 

Learn more about what a human resources manager does, the salary and job outlook for the role, and how to begin this career. Afterward, build your HR knowledge and abilities with the HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate.

What is a human resources manager?

A human resources manager is a key HR professional who oversees a company's human resources operations, developing and implementing policies, programs, and procedures related to the workforce. At smaller companies, an HR manager may oversee much of an HR department and handle a number of different areas. In contrast, at larger companies, they may be responsible for a team dedicated to an area of HR, such as payroll or training.

What does an HR manager do?

The key tasks you'll be responsible for as a human resources manager depend on the company's size. At smaller companies, you will likely be required to have in-depth knowledge of many different HR areas, such as onboarding, benefits, training, and payroll, and lead a team of coordinators and specialists who work collectively on all of them.

At larger companies, however, you may be dedicated to one team responsible for an area of HR. In that case, there may be multiple HR managers who are responsible for each key HR area. Below are some of the major areas an HR manager may oversee:

• Strategic planning and leadership: You'll develop HR strategies that align with business goals. This includes understanding workforce planning needs from senior partners and working accordingly to address them, leading HR teams and initiatives, and making decisions about policies and programs.

• Workforce planning and employment: Your team helps find and hire new talent for the company.

• Employee relations: Your team will negotiate union contracts, resolve grievances, and negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and is responsible for employee involvement, engagement programs, and similar employee-related roles.

• Risk management: Your team typically conducts inspections, maintains accident records, develops health and safety programs, and works to ensure the well-being of all employees.

• Benefits: Your team typically oversees employee compensation and benefits programs and balances workforce needs against the company budget to reduce financial risk.

HR manager: salary + job outlook

HR managers earn a median annual US salary of $136,350, according to BLS [1]. It's also a role that's poised to grow over the next decade. BLS estimates that HR managers will grow by six percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations [1].

Advancing to become an HR manager from an entry-level HR role can be an advantageous path to pursue given that HR is a critical business function that spans industries. Nearly every company needs HR professionals and HR managers to help them succeed.

What industry pays HR the most? 

According to the BLS, human resources managers working in the motion picture and video industries typically earn the highest salary, with a median salary of $236,420 [2]. Your salary as an HR manager may also vary depending on factors such as your geographical location and education level. 

How to become a human resources manager

Human resources managers need to be highly motivated, organized, ethical, and possess good leadership skills. They also need the right training and education to perform their duties effectively. Follow the steps below to pursue this career.

Earn a bachelor's degree. 

A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement to become an HR manager. According to Zippia, 67 percent of human resources managers have a bachelor’s degree [3].

However, some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in human resources management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in HR.

Gain experience.

HR managers typically have around five years of professional experience, according to BLS [1]. You can gain experience by starting out in an entry-level HR role and advancing to become an HR generalist or HR analyst, among other titles.

Strengthen your skill set.

Beyond HR experience, HR managers need an advanced skill set that includes leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management. Consider building or strengthening your skills in the following areas:

• Team management

• Decision-making

• Strategic thinking

• Change management

• Verbal and written communication

• Active listening

• HR laws and regulations

• HR analytics

• Benefits administration

• Recruitment processes

• Policy development

• Budget management

• Data analysis

• Emotional intelligence

HR manager certifications

HR certifications may also help enhance your resume and validate that you have the skills necessary for the job. Some companies require popular certifications, such as:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certificate is offered by the Human Resources Standards Institute and focuses on mastery of skills related to the technical and operational functions of HR management.

• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), offered by the Association for Talent Development, provides additional skills and knowledge for HR managers who work in employee learning and performance.

• Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD), offered by the Association for Talent Development, is for HR professionals who work in talent management.

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), offered by the Human Resources Standards Institute, is for senior management or HR directors who want to advance their skills and training to the next level.

• Senior SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), offered by the Society for Human Resource Management, prepares professionals to become leaders in HR management and focuses on employee performance and efficiency.

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