Back to HR Main PageThe HR Job Market
A question many students have regarding the HR major is the status of the profession. How likely is it to get a job in HR? What kind of salaries do HR professionals command?
Job Outlook
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 1998-99:
"The job market for human resources specialists and managers is likely to remain competitive through 2006, due to an abundant supply of qualified college graduates and experienced workers, despite large numbers of annual job openings that will stem from the need to replace workers who transfer to other jobs, retire, or stop working for other reasons coupled with projected average employment growth."
U.S. News and World Report, 1999 Career Guide
HR positions are listed in their top 20 fast tracks to watch.
Career Outlooks, 1994
"HR field will grow by 32% by 2005"
HR Compensation
Pay Growth for Popular HR Jobs
| Job title | Base | % change from 2000 |
| Top HR Executive (with industrial relations responsibilities) |
$204,900 | -5.2 |
| Human resource director | $124,400 | 4.3 |
| Compensation manager | $97,800 | 7.1 |
| HR manager | $91,400 | 4.3 |
| Benefits manager | $85,500 | 0.8 |
| Employment & recruiting manager | $82,300 | 6.3 |
| Trainer | $46,900 | 4.2 |
| Recruiter | $44,800 | 0.4 |
| Entry level generalist | $42,000 | 5.3 |
| HR assistant | $33,100 | 3.2 |
Source: HR Magazine October 2003