In contemporary businesses, HR professionals play a significant role by shifting from purely administrative officials to strategic partners who drive businesses to success. A Robert Half report states that in 2025, 49% of HR hiring managers in Canada are upskilling their employees to address team skill gaps.
HR careers offer candidates diverse paths — both specialist and generalist roles. Both have unique trajectories and are suitable for various kinds of candidates. This blog will provide details on these HR roles and help readers plan their HR career path.
Source: Robert Half
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Top HR Career Paths in 2026
The table below will help you explore the top HR career paths in 2026 for effective human resources career path planning.
| Position | Roles and Responsibilities | Required Skills |
| HR Generalist |
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| HR Manager |
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| HR Business Partner |
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| Payroll Specialist |
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| Compensation and Benefits Specialist |
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HR Generalist
The HR generalist is the most common HR manager career path, primarily because they are involved with all the human resource tasks of an organization. They play key roles in companies’ daily operations and help with employee engagement initiatives. They also prepare documents for the exiting employees. In short, they cover plenty of HR areas in organizations.
Average Salary Per Annum: CAD 91.534
Also Read: Understanding The Scope of an MBA: Key Opportunities & Trends
HR Manager
An HR manager is similar to an HR generalist in that they are involved in various aspects of organizations and their HR work. The difference in this case is that HR managers have greater leadership responsibilities and are more involved in strategic planning.
Average Salary Per Annum: CAD 118,542
HR Business Partner
An HR business partner is the right HR career path for candidates interested in HR and organizational strategy. These professionals can be the glue between their organization and the HR strategy they follow. They ensure that an organization’s way of running aligns with its HR strategy and that they work towards the same goal.
Average Salary Per Annum: CAD 113,661
Payroll Specialist
Payroll specialists ensure that every employee receives their payment accurately and on time. This is not technically an HR role per se, as in most organizations, these professionals operate in the finance departments rather than the HR team. After receiving updated and accurate payroll data, they work closely with the HR professionals and payroll systems.
Average Salary Per Annum: CAD 91,281
Compensation and Benefits Specialist
Compensation and Benefits Specialists toggle between finance and HR. They play a significant role in determining a company’s overall strategy for attracting, retaining, and engaging its employees. Their expertise ensures competitive salary structures and benefits packages that align with industry standards and employee expectations.
Average Salary Per Annum: CAD 96,580
Also Read: Soft Skills Every HR Professional Should Have
How to Choose the Right HR Career Path?
To select the ideal human resources career path, candidates should:
- Understand their interests and strengths.
- Seek guidance and advice from experienced HR professionals.
- Consider their long-term career goals and aspirations.
- Participate in internships to gain practical experience.
- Volunteer for programs that allow them to apply their skills and knowledge.
- Pursue mentorship opportunities with industry leaders.
- Continuously upskill by acquiring relevant certifications.
By focusing on these steps, candidates can gain clarity and direction for a successful HR career.
Also Read: Highest-Paying Companies in Canada for Freshers and Professionals
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FAQs On HR Career Paths
Q: What is the difference between an HR generalist and an HR specialist?
Ans: HR generalists handle various HR responsibilities, while HR specialists focus on specific areas of expertise.
Q: What are the key responsibilities of an HR generalist?
Ans: HR generalists take care of different aspects of HR work done in an organization:
- Recruitment
- Onboarding
- Employee relations
- Benefits administration
Q: What are the main types of HR specialist roles?
Ans: The main kinds of HR specialist roles are:
- Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Compensation and Benefits
- Training and Development
- Employee Relations
- HR Compliance and Legal Affairs
Q: Which is better for HR career growth: generalist or specialist?
Ans: The path that candidates consider the best to grow their HR career between generalist and specialist roles depends on what they wish to achieve professionally and as a person.
Q: Can an HR professional be both a generalist and a specialist?
Ans: Yes, HR professionals can combine specialist and generalist roles, and they often do so as well. They begin in generalist roles and progress to specialist roles later.
