Director of Human Resources Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
A director of human resources, also known as a human resources manager, is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the administrative functions of an organization. They typically work with the top executives regarding strategic planning and talent management. For 2025, the average annual salary for directors of human resources is $187,020.
Director of human resources salaries may vary depending on key factors such as education level, experience, geographic location, skills, and demand. In the following sections, this guide will provide an overview of the director of human resources pay and a detailed outline of their job responsibilities, job outlook, and career trends for the coming years.
An Overview of Director of Human Resources Salaries
The average salary for directors of human resources in the United States in 2025 is $187,020 per year. Salaries for directors of human resources typically range between $147,378 to $231,342, according to the latest data from Salary.com.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $147,378 |
| 25% Percentile | $166,270 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $187,020 |
| 75% Percentile | $210,220 |
| 90% Percentile | $231,342 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that salaries for directors of human resources vary depending on which industries they work in. For instance, directors of human resources working for professional, scientific, and technical services can earn up to $165,670, while those working on healthcare and social assistance can only earn about $114,830.
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $165,670 per year
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $158,900 per year
- Manufacturing: $134,700 per year
- Government: $118,790 per year
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: $114,830
Director of Human Resources Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The average director of human resources pay can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com, the average rate for a director of human resources in the United States is $90 per hour or $15,585 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $90
- Average salary per week: $3,597
- Average salary per month: $15,585
- Average salary per year: $187,020
As previously noted, directors of human resources in the United States will find that their salary may vary due to key factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and education. These factors will be explored in detail below.
How Experience Impacts Director of Human Resources Salaries
Aside from his educational background, certifications, and accreditations, directors of human resources with higher levels of experience earn more than their peers most of the time. As shown in the list below, there are notable salary differences across various experience levels of directors of human resources in the United States.
Based on the Salary.com data, the salary difference between an entry-level director of human resources and an expert-level director of human resources is almost $13,715. This also shows a significant gap between the salaries of an intermediate-level director of human resources and a senior-level director of human resources with $178,158 and $179,722, respectively.
- Entry-Level Director of Human Resources: $177,219
- Intermediate-Level Director of Human Resources: $178,158
- Senior-Level Director of Human Resources: $179,722
- Specialist-Level Director of Human Resources: $182,850
- Expert-Level Director of Human Resources: $190,934
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Directors of Human Resources
It can also be noted that each US state has different average salaries for directors of human resources due to several factors such as cost of living, industry performance, and demand.
Based on the Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest director of human resources income in the United States at $208,150. The next ones are California and New Jersey with $206,280 and $204,970 per year, respectively. On the other hand, Mississippi has the lowest pay with $166,820.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $203,660 |
| Alabama | $171,870 |
| Arkansas | $170,370 |
| Arizona | $182,150 |
| California | $206,280 |
| Colorado | $190,760 |
| Connecticut | $200,860 |
| District of Columbia | $208,150 |
| Delaware | $189,820 |
| Florida | $177,670 |
| Georgia | $180,850 |
| Hawaii | $195,430 |
| Iowa | $178,970 |
| Idaho | $174,490 |
| Illinois | $191,320 |
| Indiana | $181,410 |
| Kansas | $178,040 |
| Kentucky | $175,980 |
| Louisiana | $177,850 |
| Massachusetts | $203,470 |
| Maryland | $192,810 |
| Maine | $181,970 |
| Michigan | $184,590 |
| Minnesota | $191,320 |
| Missouri | $178,230 |
| Mississippi | $166,820 |
| Montana | $174,670 |
| North Carolina | $179,540 |
| North Dakota | $185,150 |
| Nebraska | $176,170 |
| New Hampshire | $190,200 |
| New Jersey | $204,970 |
| New Mexico | $172,430 |
| Nevada | $187,760 |
| New York | $199,360 |
| Ohio | $182,900 |
| Oklahoma | $172,990 |
| Oregon | $190,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $186,640 |
| Rhode Island | $195,240 |
| South Carolina | $176,540 |
| South Dakota | $168,130 |
| Tennessee | $173,180 |
| Texas | $183,090 |
| Utah | $177,850 |
| Virginia | $187,580 |
| Vermont | $183,460 |
| Washington | $201,600 |
| Wisconsin | $184,770 |
| West Virginia | $168,320 |
| Wyoming | $179,350 |
Director of Human Resources Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
The Salary.com data reveals that the top three cities with the highest director of human resources pay in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all in the state of California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $234,700 |
| San Francisco, CA | $233,770 |
| Oakland, CA | $228,160 |
| New York, NY | $218,430 |
| Queens Village, NY | $216,940 |
| Paramus, NJ | $215,440 |
Explore Director of Human Resources Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their salary, directors of human resources receive a range of benefits and rewards. According to data from Salary.com, the average total compensation for directors of human resources includes benefits such as Social Security and 401(k)/403(b) plans.
- Social Security
- 401K/403B plans
- Disability insurance
- Healthcare
- Pension plan
- Time Off (PTO)
Director of Human Resources Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A director of human resources’ primary task and responsibility is to oversee the administrative functions of a company. They manage crucial human resources operations such as the recruitment, interview, and hiring of new employees. They also consult with the top executives during strategic planning to ensure the efficient utilization of manpower.
Directors of human resources serve as the connection between employees and management. In line with this, they may also manage employee relations, regulatory compliance, creating a compensation plan, benefits programs, training, and development programs. The job description of a director of human resources includes the following:
- Plan and coordinate an organization’s workforce to utilize employees efficiently.
- Manage and oversee the compensation program of employees including benefits, bonuses, incentives, and such.
- Serve as a consultant to other managers about human resources conflicts such as discrimination, harassment, and compensation issues.
- Supervise the company’s core human resources functions including recruitment, selection, and hiring processes.
- Stand as the bridge of communication between the management and its employees.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Director of Human Resources
As a director of human resources, your most important responsibility is to effectively manage the company’s overall human resources functions. In line with this, you can also boost your credibility and earning potential through upskilling, earning additional licenses, and acquiring certifications. Here is a step-by-step process to follow to ask for a raise:
- Develop a strong educational background: Directors of human resources typically need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or other related fields such as business, communications, or psychology. Some positions even require a master’s degree in labor relations or business administration.
- Complete certification programs: Boosting your credibility by completing relevant certifications may also increase your earning capacity. Professional institutions such as the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRI), World at Work, and International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans are good examples.
- Explore other related occupations: A director of human resources can also work as a labor relations director, payroll manager, or staffing manager. Acquiring the necessary skills to qualify for these positions translates to higher pay.
- Ask for a formal meeting: Schedule a meeting with your managers and employers. This gives a more formal and serious sense to the conversation, showing that you have prepared enough to deserve a raise.
- Make a clear and confident presentation: Discuss the value you bring to the company and make sure to mention significant milestones such as your years of service, exemplary work performance, and other credible achievements. Before proceeding with the presentation, be clear about your salary expectations and always keep a positive mindset.
Why Does a Director of Human Resources Make So Much?
An HR director typically receives a big paycheck because he plays a significant role in managing the driving force of any organization, which is its human resources. Some directors of human resources even work for more than 40 hours per week, travel to visit other offices, attend professional meetings, and talent acquisition.
This requires a director of human resources to gain the necessary abilities to hone his management expertise, especially knowledge in human resource programs, labor relations, the latest software technology, and even federal laws. According to BLS, these are the important qualities that a director of human resources should have:
- Communication skills
- Decision-making skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Organization skills
Moreover, certain skills and certifications can increase the earning potential of a director of human resources. According to the Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Solution, directors of human resources with succession planning and employment law skills can earn up to 5.82% and 5.75% more, respectively.
Other high compensation skills include:
- Succession Planning: +5.82% salary increase
- Employment Law: +5.75% salary increase
- HR Policies: +5.72% salary increase
- Training and Development: +5.59% salary increase
- Employee Relationship Management: +5.55% salary increase
- Employee Engagement: +5.44% salary increase
The Future of Directors of Human Resources: Job Outlook and Career Trends
Based on the report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job title outlook for directors of human resources is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. This translates to about 17,400 job openings every year, mainly due to directors of human resources retiring or switching occupations.
The employment growth for directors of human resources largely depends on the state and performance of companies in the United States. As businesses continue to grow, more and more jobs are also expected to be produced. In line with this, the demand for directors of human resources will also increase.
