What are the career paths in human resource management?
Michael Henderson
Published Feb 14, 2026
What are the career paths in human resource management?
Human resources management careers
- Human resources assistant.
- Benefits administrator.
- Payroll specialist.
- Training coordinator.
- Compensation specialist.
- Training manager.
- HRIS specialist.
- Employee relations manager.
What is the career progression in HR?
HR assistants often move into professional-level roles, such as recruiting manager, payroll manager, staffing manager, administrator or human resources manager. Most HR professionals choose between two broad paths: generalist or specialist. Generalist – Human resources generalists often perform a wide variety of tasks.
What should I do after HR manager?
Alternative Careers for Human Resource Managers
- Career Counselor or Coach.
- Life Coach or Counselor.
- Professional Resume Writer.
- Headhunter/Talent Recruiter.
- Benefits/Payroll Specialist.
- Employee Performance Manager.
- Wellness Program Coordinator.
- Human Resources Consultant.
Is human resource management a good career?
As a profession, Human Resources (HR) has consistently ranked high on the lists of best career options. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the role of HR specialist at #17 on their list of Best Business Jobs and as one of the 100 Best Jobs overall for 2020.
What is the highest HR position?
Chief HR Officer
Sometimes referred to as the Chief HR Officer, the VP of Human Resources is the highest HR position in a company.
Can HR become CEO?
A very BIG YES!! HR can become a CEO. There is absolutely no doubt that HR personnel can become CEOs of companies.
Is HR a woman’s job?
Gender Imbalance in HR A 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that 72% of HR managers are women. The same report found that 73% of HR workers and a whopping 96% of human resources assistants (except those in payroll and timekeeping) are women.
Are HR managers in demand?
Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 14,800 openings for human resources managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Can you get rich in HR?
It should come as no surprise that HR professionals know how to negotiate for competitive compensation. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that HR specialists bring home a median amount of $59,180 and HR Managers an impressive $106,910—well above the cross-industry median of $44,668.
Do HR managers get paid well?
What are popular career options in HR management?
Human resources assistant. Primary duties: A human resources assistant is one of the entry-level jobs in human resources administration.
Why to become a HR manager?
One of the reasons to go into a career in HR is to have the opportunity to grow within the organisation . Some companies even offer their employees the opportunity to gain new skills and to learn new HR tactics, knowledge and methodology. Many HR managers continue to advance within their company and find employment in upper management positions.
How to become HR manager?
You need at least a bachelor’s degree to become a human resources manager. Work towards a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject if you want to become a human resources manager. If your school has human resources management as a major, this is probably the best option. Other relevant fields of study include business and finance.
What makes a successful HR career path?
10 Things Every HR Professional Needs to Do to Succeed Inspire others. The word I most often use to describe my HR style is inspirational. Take risks. Most HR professionals are risk-averse, probably because they’re not encouraged (or trusted) to take risks. Get out of your office. Be a full partner. Understand the numbers. Be flexible. Become tech-savvy. Become a great communicator. Be a strategic thinker.
