HR director average salary
The US National Average salary for a Human Resources Director is $105,249. This figure is a culmination of data from Glassdoor, which lists an average of $116,920, and Payscale.com, which reports a lower average of $93,579.
How much does the director of human resources make?
Among HR Directors, the top 90% can expect salaries up to $144,000. On the lower end, the bottom 10% have salaries not exceeding $60,000.
Career Outlook
Entry-level HR Directors are paid $60,000 on average. After 5 years, they see a rise in their salary by $26,000 while after ten years they are paid $100,000 on average. Senior HR directors, with more than 20 years of experience, can have an average salary of up to $106,000.
HR Directors can be promoted from the position of HR Manager or Senior HR manager. They can advance to the role of Human resources SVP or Chief Human Resources Officer. They report to people in these positions when hierarchy is so defined, but most commonly they report directly to the CEO.
Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees
Top Paying US cities
Geography plays a significant role in determining the salary of an HR Director. Cities with a higher cost of living and booming industries often offer higher compensations. Based on Zippia these are the top paying US cities:
- Vermont $116,592
- New York $120,477
- California $120,592
- Connecticut $117,406
Job Description & Interview Questions
Human Resources Directors create a bridge between human capital and business strategy. The HR Director job description is diverse and involves the development of HR programs. HR Director responsibilities include handling labor relations and strategic counseling. HR director interview questions should be geared towards key skills such as strategic planning, employment relations and leadership.
Skills & Qualifications
The role of an HR Director is a blend of strategy, leadership, and intricate knowledge of the human resources domain. At the core of their skill set lies a deep understanding of organizational behavior and dynamics.
Their ability to analyze and interpret workforce data, combined with a keen sense of industry trends, allows them to forecast staffing needs, devise retention strategies, and ensure a seamless alignment between HR initiatives and business goals.
Furthermore, their proficiency in areas like employment law, benefits administration, and talent management is paramount. This technical expertise ensures that the organization remains compliant with regulations, offers competitive compensation packages, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.
In addition to these hard skills, an HR Director’s soft skills are equally crucial. Their role often requires them to mediate conflicts, counsel employees, and provide guidance to other HR professionals, necessitating exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
They must be adept at building and maintaining relationships, not just within their team but across departments and, at times, with external stakeholders.
Their decision-making prowess, underpinned by ethical considerations and a commitment to organizational values, sets the tone for the entire HR department. Moreover, as leaders, their ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor their teams is vital.
Continuous professional development, through workshops, certifications, and advanced degrees, ensures they stay abreast of the ever-evolving HR landscape, further solidifying their position as pillars of the organization.