Discover what human resources managers do, the skills you'll need to succeed in this advanced role, and earning potential.
A human resources (HR) manager oversees various aspects of employee management, such as recruiting, payroll, onboarding, or policy.
The range of their oversight will depend on the size of the company.
From this role, you can advance to become a senior HR manager or a director of human resources.
Learn more about what a human resources manager does and the skills you'll need to be successful. Afterward, build your HR knowledge and abilities with the HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate.
An HR manager is a key professional in human resources management who oversees a company's human resources operations, developing and implementing policies, programs, and procedures related to the workforce. At smaller companies, an HR manager may oversee much of an HR department and handle a number of different areas. In contrast, at larger companies, they may be responsible for a team dedicated to an area of HR, such as payroll or training.
The key tasks you'll be responsible for as a human resources manager depend on the company's size. At smaller companies, you will likely be required to have in-depth knowledge of many different HR areas, such as onboarding, benefits, training, and payroll, and lead a team of coordinators and specialists who work collectively on all of them.
At larger companies, however, you may be dedicated to one team responsible for an area of HR. In that case, there may be multiple HR managers who are responsible for each key HR area. Below are some of the major areas an HR manager may oversee:
Strategic planning and leadership: You'll develop HR strategies that align with business goals. This includes understanding workforce planning needs from senior partners and working accordingly to address them, leading HR teams and initiatives, and making decisions about policies and programs.
Workforce planning and employment: Your team helps find and hire new talent for the company.
Employee relations: Your team will negotiate union contracts, resolve grievances, and negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and is responsible for employee involvement, engagement programs, and similar employee-related roles.
Risk management: Your team typically conducts inspections, maintains accident records, develops health and safety programs, and works to ensure the well-being of all employees.
Benefits: Your team typically oversees employee compensation and benefits programs and balances workforce needs against the company budget to reduce financial risk.
A company's size has a large influence over the day-to-day responsibilities of an HR manager. Smaller companies will require an HR manager to oversee more areas, while a larger company may expect an HR manager to focus on just one. Let's review some of the key differences.
Small companies (fewer than 50 employees):
Human resources managers often wear multiple hats and handle various responsibilities.
Focus on essential functions like hiring, basic policy creation, and legal compliance.
May outsource some HR functions like payroll or benefits administration.
Often have a more hands-on approach with employees.
Medium-sized companies (50-500 employees):
HR roles become more specialized, but managers still oversee multiple areas.
Increased focus on developing standardized processes and policies.
More emphasis on training and development programs.
Begin to implement more sophisticated HR tools.
Large companies (500+ employees):
HR functions are typically highly specialized, with separate departments for each area.
Greater focus on strategic HR initiatives aligned with business goals.
More emphasis on data analytics and metrics to drive decision-making.
May deal with union relations and more complex legal compliance issues.
There may be global HR considerations for multinational corporations.
Advancing to become a manager in human resources requires a balance of workplace skills and technical know-how. You'll need to approach your work with emotional intelligence as well as more business-minded abilities, such as analytics and strategic thinking. Let's review some of the key HR skills needed to succeed in this role:
Business-oriented: Understanding of how HR functions contribute to overall business objectives.
Analytical: Skilled at using HR information systems, analyzing complex situations, and developing effective solutions.
Emotional intelligence: Aware of their own emotions and those of others, with the ability to manage relationships effectively.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
Diplomatic and tactful: Capable of handling sensitive situations and conflicts with discretion and professionalism.
Ethical and trustworthy: High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Organization: Capable of managing multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines efficiently.
Becoming an HR manager typically requires several years of experience, given the advanced nature of this role. HR managers earn a median annual US salary of $140,030, according to BLS []. It's also a role that's poised to grow over the next decade. BLS estimates that HR managers will grow by five percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations [].
Advancing to become an HR manager from an entry-level HR role can be an advantageous path to pursue given that HR is a critical business function that spans industries. Nearly every company needs HR professionals and HR managers to help them succeed operationally.
According to the BLS, human resources managers working in the motion picture and video industries typically earn the highest salary, with a median salary of $236,420 []. Your salary as an HR manager may also vary depending on factors such as your geographical location and education level.听
Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a 糖心vlog官网观看 Plus subscription. You鈥檒l get access to over 10,000 flexible courses.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm.鈥 Accessed September 16, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes113121.htm.鈥 Accessed September 16, 2025.
Editorial Team
糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.