From recruiting to comp to compliance. CHRO roles at large firms top $500K.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for HR Managers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $98,000 | $68,300 | $127,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $121,800 | $84,900 | $158,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $140,000 | $97,600 | $182,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $168,000 | $117,100 | $219,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $190,400 | $132,700 | $248,200 |
Top 10 states by median HR Manager salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $196,100 | $149,000 | $254,900 | +40% |
| New York | $184,900 | $140,500 | $240,300 | +32% |
| California | $182,100 | $138,400 | $236,700 | +30% |
| Washington | $182,100 | $138,400 | $236,700 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $176,400 | $134,100 | $229,400 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $169,400 | $128,800 | $220,300 | +21% |
| Maryland | $168,000 | $127,700 | $218,500 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $168,000 | $127,700 | $218,500 | +20% |
| Colorado | $163,800 | $124,500 | $213,000 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $159,600 | $121,300 | $207,500 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $119,000 | $90,500 | $154,700 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $117,600 | $89,400 | $152,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $117,600 | $89,400 | $152,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $117,600 | $89,400 | $152,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $116,200 | $88,300 | $151,100 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $116,200 | $88,300 | $151,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $112,000 | $85,100 | $145,600 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $112,000 | $85,100 | $145,600 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $109,200 | $83,000 | $142,000 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $109,200 | $83,000 | $142,000 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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