Best Human Resources Jobs With Salaries

Quick Navigation:

If you are interested in the human resources field, there are several types of jobs that may interest you. You can become a generalist who deals with a variety of standard human resources tasks or you can specialize in tasks that are related to compensation, benefits and payroll. In this article, you can explore a comprehensive list of common human resources job types to help you decide which career path is right for you.

What is a human resources job?

Human resources (HR) is a company department that
is charged with searching for training, recruiting and screening job applicants. The human resources department also handles employee benefits, mediation between employees and management and payroll. HR departments are essential to the success of businesses of any size in any industry. It focuses on increasing employee productivity, protecting the company from legal issues and keeping up to date with laws that impact the company and its employees. 

Best human resources jobs

Here is a detailed list of some of the best human resources job types:

Administrative Services Manager

National Average Salary: $33,800 per year 

Role and Responsibilities:  Administrative Services Managers take care of planning, coordinating and directing any supportive services that a business requires including human resources tasks for small to mid-size businesses. Their responsibilities vary depending on the business they work for, but they often supervise activities and maintain facilities that include record-keeping, office upkeep and mail distribution. If Administrative Services Managers work for a small business, they may direct most support services and have the title Business Office Manager. Employers often require Administrative Services Managers to have a bachelor’s degree in business, information management, engineering or facility management.

HR Assistant

National Average Salary: $33,966 per year

Role and Responsibilities:  An HR Assistant helps the HR Manager with HR duties such as record maintenance, recruitment and payroll processing. They also provide administrative and clerical help to other employees. HR Assistants often help plan employee recognition events such as employee picnics, holiday parties or employee recognition dinners. The minimum educational requirement for HR Assistants is a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a related field.

HR Specialist

National Average Salary: $52,799 per year 

Role and Responsibilities: HR Specialists handle a wide variety of HR tasks such as recruiting, screening, placing employees, training and preparing compensation and benefits packages. In addition to recruiting, human resources specialists answer employee questions about policies and procedures. Companies typically have a few HR Specialists in completing various HR tasks depending on the size of the company. Employers usually require HR Specialists to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business or a similar field.

HR Generalist

National Average Salary: $56,854 per year

Role and Responsibilities: An HR Generalist is responsible for most of the daily operations involved in the human resources department. Their tasks may include managing procedures and programs the organization uses as well as the administration of company policies. Most HR Generalists must have several years of human resources job experience along with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, human resource management, human resource administration or organizational development. Some employers may prefer HR Generalists with their Master of Science in Human Resources Management. 

Executive Recruiter

National Average Salary: $62,017 per year

Role and Responsibilities: Executive Recruiters leverage technology to conduct searches, recruit and fill high-level executive positions with top talent. They also interview candidates, make candidate recommendations to organizations and perform background checks. Executive Recruiters are typically required to have their bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field. 

Human Resources Information System Support Specialist

National Average Salary: $65,344 per year

Role and Responsibilities:  Human Resources Information System Support Specialists are in charge of designing, troubleshooting and maintaining human resources information systems and other HR-related computer systems. Other responsibilities may include processing and developing reports regarding employee record data. Human Resources Information System Support Specialists usually need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in business, information technology or human resources management. 

Human Resources Manager

National Average Salary: $71,753 per year

Role and Responsibilities: Human Resources Managers consult with an organization’s executives when they strategically plan the management of a company’s employees. HR Managers typically focus on programs and processes to hire new employees systematically, deal with talent management and retention of current employees. The minimum education requirement for this position is typically a bachelor’s degree in human resources management or a related field. Some employers prefer a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. 

Training and Development Manager

National Average Salary: $82,852 per year

Role and Responsibilities: Training and Development Managers oversee training programs, budgets and staff. They create or select targeted course materials and content for training programs. The training they develop may be in the form of a video, online application or instructional manual. Training Managers also ensure that training methods are meaningful and suitable for employees. This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a related field.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

National Average Salary: $94,274 per year

Role and Responsibilities: Compensation Managers coordinate, plan and direct the pay an organization gives its employees and the way it pays employees. They also coordinate and plan employee health insurance, retirement plans and other benefits such as funding of pensions, annual bonuses, company cars and commission payments. Most compensations and benefits managers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, business management, business administration or a related field.

Human Resources Director

National Average Salary: $97,811 per year

Role and Responsibilities: Human Resources Directors develop organizational strategies by researching and identifying human resources problems. They contribute information, analysis and recommendations to businesses using strategic thinking. Most HR Directors are in leadership positions and promote an employee culture that helps them to perform according to an organization’s objectives. This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, communications, business administration or a related field.

Popular skills and qualifications to list on a resume for human resources jobs

While every job is different, here is a list of popular skills and qualifications you may list on your resume when applying for human resources jobs:

Employee relations

Employee-employer relationships are essential to successful businesses. The individuals responsible for fostering the connection between employees and management are human resources staff members. They should know how to relate well to others and have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to identify and resolve employee concerns before they escalate. Another part of employee relations is conflict management and advocating for employees and the employer. Doing so creates a more satisfying work environment for all.

Teamwork and collaboration

The main goals of HR professionals should be to carry out their daily HR tasks and drive change, innovation and collaboration to create the best workplace possible. A great way to do this is to work with employees and management to figure out what their needs are and how they can all work together for the benefit of the company and for the contentment of all staff members. This can increase employee retention and customer satisfaction. 

Customer service

Companies hire HR professionals to service applicants, employees and management. They must have excellent customer service skills to resolve workplace issues in a calm and efficient manner.