The human resources (HR) department is critical in any organization. HR professionals handle vital functions, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, benefits administration, etc. As technology, laws, and business practices evolve in the US, HR practitioners must stay updated to succeed.
Read on to understand the popular human resources jobs in the US, along with salary information, growth projections, certifications, and steps to get started.
HR Career Advantages
A career in human resources provides the opportunity to shape company culture daily. HR pros interact with employees and influence their workplace experience. Other key advantages include:
- Competitive salaries with room for growth
- Varied responsibilities and specializations
- Strong projected job growth over the next decade
HR appeals to those with robust interpersonal skills who enjoy collaborating and solving problems. By serving as intermediaries, experts in this domain make sure that policies satisfy the demands of both the company and its workforce.
Salary Information for HR Roles
Salaries for human resources jobs can vary significantly depending on location, years of experience, certifications obtained, and the overall scope of responsibility within the role. Here are some typical salary ranges for common HR positions based on the figures provided:
- Job Analyst: $85,018
- Human Resources Manager: $85,000
- HR Manager: $79,435
- Development Associate: $68,453
- HR Generalist: $62,500
- Training Specialist: $60,571
- Development Coordinator: $52,813
- Training Coordinator: $51,159
- Trainer: $50,000
- Administrative Assistant: $36,981
Career Paths in HR
HR offers diverse career paths to suit different interests and strengths, such as:
1. HR Generalist
This role handles day-to-day HR operations like onboarding, payroll, benefits, and database management. Many start as assistants or coordinators before becoming HR generalists. From there, management or specialization are options.
2. HR Business Partner
In this strategic role, HR business partners team up with leadership to align HR initiatives like succession planning, change management, and coaching with business goals. 5+ years of HR experience are typically required, and an HR MBA can also help qualify candidates.
3. Talent Acquisition Specialist
These specialists handle recruiting, developing hiring strategies, posting/optimizing listings, screening applicants, interviewing, and extending offers. Related roles like recruiter can serve as stepping stones.
4. Junior HR Manager
A junior HR Manager is a professional who supervises a senior HR Manager. A junior HR manager handles strategic talent management, onboarding and training program creation, and hiring.
5. Senior HR Manager
The senior human resource manager is a seasoned expert who supports the junior HR Manager. The Senior human resource manager oversees hiring, recruiting, job description creation, design, planning, and meeting scheduling.
Conclusion
With competitive salaries, meaningful work, and strong job growth, human resources offers dynamic career paths for those passionate about company culture. While entry-level roles only require a bachelor’s degree, pursuing certifications like those from UpGrad opens doors to increased authority and pay, enabling an impactful and fulfilling HR career.
FAQs
1. What degree do you need for an HR career?
A bachelor’s degree is typically required as a minimum. Common majors include human resources, business, psychology, communications, and related fields.
2. What entry-level HR jobs pay the most?
HR coordinator and specialist roles offer higher starting salaries than assistant positions. The average annual wage for specialists is $59,688 nationally.
3. What is the best way to advance your HR career?
Gaining specialized certifications, pursuing a graduate degree, obtaining leadership experience, and developing business acumen can all help you climb the HR career ladder.
4. Can you work in HR with just a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level—and mid-level HR roles, such as assistant, coordinator, generalist, and manager. But higher education vastly expands your long-term career progression opportunities.
