Top 10 Highest Paying Human Resource Jobs 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Stereotyped as the fun police, HR professionals are known for spoiling the fun in the workplace. Or worse, they are considered as the face of bad news.

These negative stereotypes will make you think twice about working in HR. Well, we come bearing good news—these are all myths!

The truth is a career in HR is one of the best choices right now, and here are the reasons why:

a chance to shape the culture and future of an organization,

Offers more opportunities for variety and growth since it's fast becoming a highly-specialized field,

A strong career outlook and is even considered one of the fastest-growing industries in the US,

With an average hourly salary of USD 21, the industry offers a higher-than-average earning potential.

If you’re wondering what other good things await you when you enter this industry, here’s the comprehensive information about the highest paying HR jobs you should know about.

Top 10 Highest Paying Human Resource Jobs 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Vice President of Human Resources

A company’s VP of Human Resources is a C-level executive who acts as a communication channel between the HR staff and the company's senior executives.

He creates and delivers briefings and reports to executives and serves as a consultant to the HR directors.

He guides critical HR operations, including strategic planning, management, staffing, training, conflict resolution, budget, and the establishment of company-wide programs.

Educational Requirements

To land this executive position, you must first fulfill the basic qualification competencies, including a bachelor's degree in human resources.

Completing an advanced degree, like a doctorate or master’s in business administration, can increase your chances of landing this role.

On top of that, you also need to earn 8 to 10 years of corporate experience along with a few specialization courses.

These include the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications or any courses focusing on senior management, employee retention, workforce management, etc.

Job Outlook

Categorized as a top executive, BLS projects that the demand for this C-level management position will grow by 3% in the next few years.

This growth rate equals 311,600 job openings annually until 2032.

Earning Potential

Human resource executives earn an average annual salary of USD 347,500 with an estimated additional pay of USD 145,000 in cash bonuses and profit sharing.

2. Global Human Resource Manager

Also known as Global HRM, global human resource management delivers functions similar to a company's HR department – from recruitment and retention to compensation and payroll to company culture—but on a global scale.

Since Global HR managers work for companies operating in multiple countries, they have additional responsibilities, which include formulating HR policy, building work culture, and setting work schedules and pay grades with multiple time zones, unique cultural factors, varying political conditions and regulations, and different salary expectations in mind.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or human resources is the best first step to entering this industry.

But to advance to global levels, you must have relevant work experience and get certified as an International HR manager by completing the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or the International Human Resource Certification Institute (IHRCI) certifications.

Completing an online MBA program can also help you better understand business concepts and strategies at a global level.

Job Outlook

The overall employment for HR managers will increase by 5% until 2032.

This faster-than-average growth rate is equivalent to about 15, 500 annual job openings until 2032.

Earning Potential

An International HR manager makes an annual median wage of USD 244,900, and a yearly additional pay of USD 82, 800.

3. Human Resource Information Systems Manager

An HR Information Systems Manager is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and upgrading the specialized HR technological systems and devices that store valuable employee data.

They also regularly analyze data and create and deliver custom reports to provide recommendations to improve the HR process and help the company meet the management's and their staff's needs.

Educational Requirements

The primary requirement to enter this industry is an undergraduate degree in human resources or information systems management.

Having a master's in business administration is recommended to demonstrate your strong knowledge of labor laws and federal regulations.

Lastly, obtaining years of work experience, industry licenses, and certifications can make your resume more attractive to employers.

Job Outlook

BLS classifies this occupation under the computer and information systems management industry.

According to them, the demand for such roles will grow by 15% in the next few years.

Earning Potential

HRIS Managers make an average annual salary of USD 192,200.

Depending on the company’s pay structure, they may also receive an estimated additional pay of USD 15, 600 through cash bonuses.

4. Change Management Director

The primary role of a change management director is to oversee the activities and operations of the change management team.

Their department ensures that employees are supported, equipped, and supported to adapt to company systems, processes, and organizational structure changes.

Taking on an executive role, the director is in charge of:

monitoring the success of new policies through key metrics,

conducting in-depth research about the new policies’ potential effects on the employees and organization,

and working with employees to address any concerns and challenges they may have regarding the new systems.

Educational Requirements

The basic credentials to becoming a change management director are an undergraduate business administration degree and years of HR experience.

If you plan to apply for larger companies, getting a master’s of business administration (MBA) degree can give you a competitive edge.

Job Outlook

The director role is categorized as a top executive position, and the demand for these roles is expected to increase by 3% until 2032.

Earning Potential

The average pay for change management directors is around USD 185,600 per year.

On top of that, they may also get cash bonuses or profit sharing amounting to USD 48, 000.

5. Chief Safety Officer

A Chief Safety Officer (CSO) is responsible for developing HR policy and risk management plans concerning the company's employees' safety and protection.

He is also responsible for implementing safety protocols, evaluating workplace accidents, and updating or improving existing guidelines.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in business administration is essential to becoming a Chief Safety Officer.

However, you need to take industry-specific degrees to work in specialized industries. For example, you need an engineering or medical degree to take CSO positions in construction and healthcare.

A master’s in business administration is also highly recommended since it will provide you with the management and leadership skills you need to take on higher roles.

Job Outlook

BLS categorizes this position as an occupational health and safety specialist.

According to them, the overall employment for these roles will grow by 13%. That said, the industry will generate up to 17, 200 job openings yearly until 2032.

Earning Potential

The estimated annual pay for a Chief Safety Officer is around USD 175,900.

This role may even come with an average additional salary of USD 54, 500 which may be given as cash bonuses.

6. Human Resource Director

HR directors oversee and manage the company's Human Resources department.

They are in charge of strategy development and planning their recruitment and training processes and employee policies. More than that, they ensure that all HR activities comply with state laws and regulations.

The HR director communicates with the VP of Human resources, and the VP will be the one to report directly to the organization's top executives.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in human resource management or business administration can help you land an entry-level positions in this industry, while a master’s degree can increase your chances of getting the HR director title.

You must also have years of relevant work experience and a few HR certifications like the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the International Public Management Association for Human Resources.

Job Outlook

Since it's considered an executive position, the employment of human resource directors is expected to grow by 3% or about 311 600 annual job openings until 2032.

Earning Potential

Human Resource Directors are being paid an average of USD 149,900 per year.

These professionals may also get an average yearly cash bonus of USD 17,700.

7. Talent Acquisition Manager

A talent acquisition manager's role is to develop strategies for finding, hiring, training, and retaining employees. They are responsible for sourcing available candidates and matching them with an open position in the company that suits their skills and credentials.

They organize events and implement systems to source and attract viable candidates, conduct initial interviews and assessments, discuss employee benefits to applicants, and assist with employee onboarding.

Educational Requirements

Landing talent acquisition management positions may require a few steps, such as:

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources and business administration,

• A master's degree in business administration, human resources, and organizational development (not a requirement, but highly preferred),

• Talent acquisition certifications,

• Years of relevant work experience.

Job Outlook

These professionals are categorized as Human Resource Specialists; BLS projects that the overall employment for this position will grow by 6%, equivalent to 78 700 annual job openings until 2032.

Earning Potential

The average salary for this position is USD 122,100 per year.

On top of that, they may also receive an estimated additional pay of USD 22, 800.

8. Compliance Manager

The critical task of a compliance manager is to ensure that all the company policies and procedures comply with all international and national laws and regulations. Their main goal is to ensure the company's smooth operations and success while minimizing potential financial and legal risks.

Educational Requirements

Securing a compliance management position requires an undergraduate degree in economics, law, finance, accounting, and business.

To increase your chances of landing this role, you should also obtain industry-specific certifications and complete years of work experience.

Job Outlook

A compliance manager is filed under HR management, an industry expected to have a growth rate of 5% or 15, 500 annual job openings in the next few years.

Earning Potential

Compliance managers earn an annual median wage of USD 119,100 along an estimated additional pay of USD 11, 300.

9. Organization or Workforce Development Manager

Also known as training and development managers, these HR professionals create programs and systems that boost employee knowledge, promote skill development, and improve the workforce’s productivity.

Their responsibilities include creating training materials, facilitating training and development programs, evaluating employee performance and updating training initiatives to support the organizational goals.

Educational Requirements

Gaining a management position in the HR industry requires a combination of formal education, skills, and experience.

An entry-level job requires an undergraduate degree in social science, business, and communication.

But for management roles, most employees look for candidates with a master's degree in business administration (MBA) focusing on organizational training and development.

Earning the necessary certifications and years of entry-level work are also a must.

Job Outlook

As per BLS, the demand for training and development managers will increase by 6%, generating about 3,500 job openings annually until 2032.

Earning Potential

An organizational development manager makes a median wage of USD 115,100 yearly.

Depending on the company, they may also receive a cash bonus of USD 10,700.

10. Employee Relations Manager

The employee relations managers serve as a communication link between the management and employees and represent the best interests of both parties.

They support the management with contract negotiations and disputes. On the other hand, they also promote employee well-being by maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective communication within the organization.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in human resources, business, and other related fields is required for entry-level jobs. Still, a master's in business or a certificate in employee and labor relations is your key to getting a managerial role.

On top of these, you also need to gain work experience in human resources to demonstrate your expertise in the area.

Job Outlook

The need for this HR management position is projected to increase by 5%.

This growth rate translates to 15, 500 annual job openings in the next few years,

Earning Potential

According to Glassdoor, the annual median wage of an employee relations manager is USD 113,100.

They may also receive an estimated cash bonus of USD 10, 200.

FAQs

What will be the highest-paying human resource job in 2024?

The VP of Human Resources will be the highest-paying HR job in 2024.

This position has a yearly salary range of USD 271,000 to USD 455,000, and an average annual salary of USD 347,500. The compensation packages also include an estimated additional pay of USD 145,900.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which human resource jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

The human resources positions that will experience the highest growth in the next few years are the HRIS Manager and Chief Safety Officer, which will grow by 15% and 13%, respectively.

What is the best HR career path in 2024?

The most significant HR trends in 2024 are all about embracing new recruitment strategies and exploring other employment arrangements.

To keep up, companies are looking for candidates with global and technological expertise

, so the best human resource jobs in 2024 would be Global HR management and HRIS management.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying human resource jobs?

Since this industry is about dealing with and managing people, you'd need a mix of soft and hard skills to qualify for the various HR jobs that pay well.

Soft skills are communication, empathy, leadership, active listening, and intercultural skills.

On the other hand, the required hard skills are administrative and legal knowledge, training and development, recruitment and onboarding, record management, scheduling and organizational skills, financial and economic knowledge, and data tracking know-how.

Download Our Free Report here to know if you have what it takes to land these high-paying HR positions.

What qualifications are required for high-paying HR jobs?

These high-paying roles require skills, formal education, and experience. With that said, the most common qualifications include:

Undergraduate and master’s degree in business administration and human resources,

Years of entry-level experience,

and industry-specific certification programs.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to gain a career in human resources?

An MBA is essential to moving into a leadership or high-paying role in any industry, especially in HR.

An advanced online MBA program provides numerous benefits and learnings to an HR professional, including but not limited to:

comprehensive knowledge of business principles and strategies,

deeper understanding of employment law necessary for managing legal and compliance issues,

opportunity to develop change and talent management programs,

and better preparation for upper management positions and executive roles.

Conclusion

Since employees are the companies' most valuable asset, the human resource management industry is in demand now more than ever.

However, the continued demand for these professions is a double-edged sword. It boosted the position's earning potential, but at the same time, it made the industry a lot more competitive.

If you wish to obtain any of the high-paying HR roles, your resume should demonstrate your dedication to excellence and your endless pursuit of professional growth, and that's precisely what an online BBA or MBA program is for.

Nexford offers online-based learner-centric business programs designed with the students' schedules, professional needs, and personal goals in mind.