What HR Professionals Can Expect to Earn

A human resources manager is responsible for managing the human resources department and oversees the functions that relate to a company's employee relations. In addition to handling the employees in the human resources department, they might also be responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees, training newly hired employees, and consulting with managers from other departments in regard to employee issues. The average human resources manager has at least a Bachelor's degree in human resources or labor relations, and in many cases, an advanced degree. They may have also studied business management, communications, psychology, or sociology. Some employers require a higher degree before hiring a human resources manager. Human resources management salary scales reflect this additional education.

Human resources professionals are usually not required to undergo any special licensing or certification. However, it is available and many companies prefer the additional training. In order to make the highest human resources management salary, membership in professional organizations or taking certification courses might be necessary. This shows a professional is enthusiastic about his or her work and allows them to enhance his or her skills. Some of the advanced courses or training might require an exam. For instance, certification programs are available from the American Society for Training and Development, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

There are numerous job opportunities in the human resources field. It is a growing field and there is an expected increase of up to 35 percent by 2018. There are currently about 135,000 jobs in human resources in the country. In most cases, college graduates with degrees in human resources are expected to have the most opportunity in the field. There are instances where certification might be the only requirement in order to get hired, but this is rare. In order to make a respectable human resources management salary, a person should expect to earn at least a Bachelor's degree in the field.

The human resources management salary for those seeking entry-level employment is estimated to be around $45,000. This is for people who have earned a degree in the field. Most managerial positions are no considered entry-level jobs. In most cases, someone with a degree in human resources management will spend some time working in the department under a manager before moving up or moving on to another company. Once the initial years are sent gaining experience, a person with a degree in human resources management would be able to gain employment in a non-entry level position at other companies. Meaning, a person will not have to accept an entry-level position just because he is new at a company.

Human resources professionals with experience can expect different earnings, depending on where they work. A human resources management salary will depend on the size of the company, the field, whether the company is for- or non-profit, and the number of people in the human resources department. The median annual salary for human resources professionals is just under $100,000 per year.