Future-Proof Your Human Resources Career: Highest Paying HR Functions

Updated March 3, 2022

The Highest Paying HR Functions

Companies are relying more extensively on Human Resources. It’s a great time to pursue a career in HR because there are expanding opportunities. For example, niche specialties that emerged in the past few years are becoming mainstream. In addition, salaries are increasing.

If you are considering a career in Human Resources (or want to expand your skills), check out these high-paying HR specialties These jobs are currently in demand. Furthermore, the outlook is promising for many years to come.

1. International Human Resources Associate

Median Salary: $62,400 Source: Business Research Guide

Education and experience: At least a master’s degree. Several years experience as an HR generalist. Additional experience in education, government, or social services is helpful.

Talent acquisition specialist for companies with global offices. Not surprisingly, they must be skilled at all recruiting functions; screening applicants, advertising jobs, processing applications, and managing applicant databases. Equally important, this position requires international compliance knowledge. In addition, expertise in compensation structures for global job markets. Knowledge of cultural factors and how they influence employment.

2. Change Management Specialist

Median Salary: $119,369 Source: Monster

Education and Experience: Master’s degree. Experience in project management, change management tools, and change management analytics.

Managing the Human Resources components of complex organizational change with a systematic approach. The goal of change management is to retain employees, leverage employees’ skills to accomplish business objectives. Additionally, improving the company culture, and mitigating negative effects.

3. Training and Development Manager

Median Salary: $116,640 Source Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years related experience.

Create and manage employee training programs. This includes orientation, onboarding, technical skills, soft skills, and mentorship programs. Equally important is coordinating external certification training. Therefore, they must understand and stay abreast of laws that affect employee training and career development.

4. Compensation and Benefits Manager

Median Salary: $125,130 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or MBA-HRM. Several years general HR experience, including in a supervisory role.

HR specialist that creates and manages employee compensation programs. This requires working with insurance and investment vendors. In like manner, the position requires staying abreast of laws that affect employee pay and benefits.

5. Human Resources Director

Median Salary: $162,517 Source: Salary.com

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. At least ten years of experience in a Human Resources management position.

Perform all aspects of Human Resources management. This includes recruitment, promotions, training programs, compensation structures, benefits, employee engagement, and labor cost management.

6. Executive Recruiter

Median Salary: $71,316 Source: Indeed.com

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.

HR professional that helps companies fill high-level positions such as directors, senior managers and members of the executive team. Includes job advertising, managing applications, interviewing, compensation negotiations and onboarding.

Emerging HR Specialties

• Algorithm Bias Auditor
• Director of Well-Being
• Director of Employer Brand
• Chatbot Facilitator
• Head of Work from Home Development

To learn about HR certifications, visit Create a Study Plan to Pass the PHR Exam.

Sources

• Jeanne C. Meister, Robert H. Brown, “21 HR Jobs of the Future,” Harvard Business Review, August 12, 2020
• “How to Become an Executive Recruiter,” Indeed.com, May 13, 2021
• “Future of HR 2030: What You Need to Know Today,” Asanify, September 22, 2020