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Job outlook for directors of human resources in the United States
Director of human resources job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected director of human resources job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 12,600 new jobs for directors of human resources are projected over the next decade.
Director of human resources salaries have increased 13% for directors of human resources in the last 5 years.
There are over 120,102 directors of human resources currently employed in the United States.
There are 46,924 active director of human resources job openings in the US.
The average director of human resources salary is $100,601.
Are director of human resources jobs in demand?
Director of human resources job and salary trends over time
Director of human resources jobs over time
Director of human resources job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 120,102 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 112,940 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 111,642 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 103,550 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 98,307 | 0.03% |
Average director of human resources salary over time
Director of human resources salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,601 | $48.37 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $96,866 | $46.57 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $94,028 | $45.21 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $91,389 | $43.94 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $88,725 | $42.66 | +2.4% |
Director of human resources jobs by state
Most common states for directors of human resources
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 243 | 35% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 213 | 24% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 349 | 19% |
| 4 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 887 | 18% |
| 5 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 686 | 14% |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 535 | 14% |
| 7 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 629 | 13% |
| 8 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 372 | 12% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 766 | 11% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 103 | 11% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 64 | 10% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 118 | 9% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,020 | 8% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 652 | 8% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 571 | 8% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 432 | 8% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 427 | 8% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 318 | 8% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 58 | 8% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 240 | 7% |
Most common cities for directors of human resources
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College Park | 3 | 9% | $95,320 |
| 2 | Winter Garden | 3 | 7% | $78,298 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 5 | 5% | $114,128 |
| 4 | Palo Alto | 3 | 4% | $133,164 |
| 5 | Apopka | 2 | 4% | $78,276 |
| 6 | Baytown | 2 | 3% | $90,534 |
| 7 | Washington | 12 | 2% | $111,681 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 11 | 2% | $81,786 |
| 9 | Boston | 11 | 2% | $114,191 |
| 10 | Allen | 2 | 2% | $87,610 |
| 11 | Boulder | 2 | 2% | $83,018 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 12 | 1% | $133,765 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 8 | 1% | $95,924 |
| 14 | San Diego | 8 | 1% | $111,695 |
| 15 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $82,675 |
| 16 | Orlando | 4 | 1% | $78,131 |
| 17 | Chicago | 10 | 0% | $92,350 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $116,689 |
| 19 | New York | 4 | 0% | $120,573 |
| 20 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $78,914 |
Director Of Human Resources job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director of human resources experts
University of Maine
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Portland State University
The University of Tennessee - Martin
Saint John Fisher College
Temple University
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Grand Valley State University
Saint Leo University
Zones, LLC
University of New Hampshire
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
LIU-Brooklyn
The Pennsylvania State University
Texas A&M International University
Pacific Lutheran University
Coe College
Hartwick College
What will help Directors Of Human Resources increase their earning potential?
Billy Obenauer PhD: This may sound oversimplified, but your initial salary negotiation will have a significant impact on your earning potential. While laws banning questions about salary history have led to some deemphasis on the initial negotiation, this initial negotiation will set the basis for future negotiations within that company, where they will know your salary history. You also want to think about cost of living and merit raises as compounding interest. Higher salaries lead to higher raises. Therefore, the initial salary that you negotiate will influence subsequent raises and negotiations. In many ways, you never have more power than when you don’t have a job, but have several suitors. Know your worth by understanding the value that you can bring to an organization and use this knowledge when negotiating salary for your first job.
Wes Love
Organizational Improvement & Transformation SpecialistCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What Director Of Human Resources skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wes Love: Communication, change management, and the full suite of human skills are and will continue to be paramount. But above all, self-awareness. I have a personal value of “don’t take yourself so seriously.” This value helps me constantly realize that in any and all circumstances, I have an opportunity to learn and grow. Under no circumstances should I approach any situation without curiosity. Every single person in my life has something to teach me, and feedback is a gift, not a value judgment. Author and speaker Simon Sinek has an amazing talk called “If you don’t know people, you don’t know business,” and he is correct. Skills can be learned, knowledge can be gained, and experience can be earned. But if we don’t take time to understand ourselves first and then seek to understand others, we are missing the point of not just business but life. Invest time in getting to know yourself, what drives you, what your purpose is, and seek out your blind spots. The rest will follow.
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Human Resources?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: HRM professionals play a strategic role in aligning HR practices with organizational goals, ensuring a positive and productive work environment, and fostering a culture of employee engagement.
What Director Of Human Resources skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: Entering the Human Resource Management (HRM) field can be an excellent career choice for several compelling reasons, especially in today's dynamic and evolving workplace. Glassdoor.com ranks HR management as one of the nation’s top five career opportunities based on average starting salary, job satisfaction, and employer demand.
What will help Directors Of Human Resources increase their earning potential?
Talya Bauer Ph.D.: Individuals like many things about being an HRM professional, such as having diverse responsibilities, good pay, opportunities to build relationships, and feeling like they are making a positive impact. Some challenges include handling difficult employment situations and conversations, administrative burdens, navigating organizational politics and multiple stakeholders, and dealing with employee grievances and terminations.
Dr. Sean Walker
Professor of Behavioral ManagementThe University of Tennessee - Martin
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What Director Of Human Resources skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sean Walker: Problem solving and conflict resolution will be crucial skills in the next 3-5 years. HR professionals need to help organizations operate effectively and efficiently while dealing with increased conflict in the workplace.
What Director Of Human Resources skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ron Sicker: Be day one ready! That means be professional, motivated, and hard working. Capitalize on the opportunities given to you and take advantage of every opportunity.
What skills stand out on Director Of Human Resources resumes?
Daniel Goldberg: a) Understanding the legal aspects of Human Resources as well as the nuances of the organization you work for or to which you are applying.
b) Knowing how to lead and work productively within the culture, vision, and mission of organizations.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Human Resources possess?
Daniel Goldberg: The ability to communicate effectively, openly, empathically, and directly (without ambiguity) while making sure members within the organization understand their roles.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Human Resources?
Daniel Goldberg: Having an in-depth knowledge of how the most important areas of production operate.
What skills will help Directors Of Human Resources earn the most?
Daniel Goldberg: If you can show that you have mastered the above skills, you should be in a good position to get a well-paying position.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Human Resources?
John Barr: The most important hard/technical skills are experience and training in such areas as workplace investigations, overseeing various employee programs and documentation related to leaving, handbooks, job descriptions, wages, benefits, hiring, and terminations, developing a diverse workforce, and training in the future of the workforce.
What skills will help Directors Of Human Resources earn the most?
John Barr: Companies are focused on their bottom line. If you can help the company improve its performance by hiring and retaining quality candidates while demonstrating an ability to save it money by dealing with workplace conflicts and legal requirements before these explode into litigation, you should be well placed to earn a high level of compensation.
What skills stand out on Director Of Human Resources resumes?
John Barr: Skills such as an ability to conduct workplace investigations, develop a diverse workforce, and an ability to help a company meet its various goals while complying with its legal obligations are vital aspects of any resume.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Human Resources possess?
John Barr: The ability to get along with people. HR managers frequently must resolve workplace conflicts, investigate incidents of harassment or discrimination, or deal with employees who are in danger of losing their job. A critical soft skill is managing these issues when emotions may be running high while focusing on protecting the company's interests and advancing its various goals.
Anthony Nyberg
Department Chair and Professor, Program Director, Master of Human ResourcesUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Management Department
What skills stand out on Director Of Human Resources resumes?
Anthony Nyberg: The most important skill for HR managers as they enter the workforce is professionalism (and everything that goes into this, including being on time, doing what one says they will do, etc.)
This shows up on resumes by having held responsible positions for an appropriate period, leading to positive recommendations from prior employers, teachers, leaders, etc. The item that stands out most on a resume is a strong HR internship.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Human Resources possess?
Anthony Nyberg: In general, the "soft" skills are actually the hardest, and the most important of these skills involves strong communication and an ability to work in teams - most jobs and all companies require people to work together, and this is a very challenging skill, but imperative in the modern workforce.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Human Resources?
Anthony Nyberg: HR, like many work environments, is driven by using data to address challenges. This requires a strong analytical foundation.
What skills will help Directors Of Human Resources earn the most?
Anthony Nyberg: The skills that lead, in the short term, to the highest earnings involve analytical skills. The skills that lead to the highest earnings over time include professionalism and strong interpersonal skills. If you can master both, you have created the foundation for a very strong career in HR.
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.
Affiliate of Practice Professor, SHRM Student Chapter AdviserGrand Valley State University
Seidman College of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Of Human Resources?
Dan Wiljanen Ph.D.: Knowledge of the HR Discipline
-Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
-Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, government regulations, and executive orders.
-Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for training design, implementation, and evaluation.
Technology Skills
-Enterprise resource planning ERP software
-Human resources software - Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
-Office suite software
-Project management software
-Web page creation and editing software
-Word processing software
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management & Human ResourcesSaint Leo University
Management & Operations Department
What skills stand out on Director Of Human Resources resumes?
J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D.: First and foremost, communication skills - this is what you will see somewhere on every HR coordinator job posting. But there's a difference between simply saying you have "excellent communication skills" and providing evidence!
In your resume, be sure to highlight how you used your communication skills to get things done in your previous job titles. Write something like: "Effectively communicated complex plans and new initiatives verbally and in writing to diverse teams across the organization." This tells me that this candidate knows how to talk to and write to people in very different roles in ways that they will understand.
How have salaries changed over time for Directors Of Human Resources?
Adrianne Keeler: Salaries in our field have gotten more and more competitive, and have continued to rise. Not only with the base wage, but really with the commission side of earnings. To remain a competitive employer in our industry, companies have made the commissions uncapped and thrown other incentives into the wages as well.
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of AccountingUniversity of New Hampshire
Paul College of Business and Economics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Jonathan Nash Ph.D.: In most years accounting firms have a visible presence on campus. They host networking sessions, resume reviews, and other events promoting professional development. Because of the pandemic firms now offer virtual sessions to help students gain insight into this profession and firm culture. Similarly, interviews, internships, and leadership training events have all moved online.
Despite these changes, employment opportunities have remained strong. Firms need accounting information to make decisions irrespective of macro-level economic conditions. As a result, demand for accounting majors is fairly inelastic (in the press accounting is often referred to as a "recession proof" majorwww.cnbc.com. Initial data suggests our placement rate for this year will be in the mid-90's, consistent with prior years, and salaries remain high (median starting salary of approximately $60,000) relative to most other majors.
What will help Directors Of Human Resources increase their earning potential?
Steven Bauer: I believe that skills needed to be a good team player will be critical in the years ahead. These particularly include the abilities to be flexible and have empathy for others. It will be very important to have skills which help enable a sense of community with fellow workers in your organization.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Of Human Resources?
Herbert Sherman Ph.D.: The coronavirus has changed the way in which people work as well as the type of work that people will be performing by accelerating the use of technology to facilitate more employees working in a virtual setting and therein reducing the need for traditional office space or even shared workspace. Graduates with a degree in human resource management will need to not only be comfortable working remotely in a non-office environment but need to truly find a balance between work demands (which are now 24/7) and the ability to lose oneself within the comforts of one's home surroundings. Work-life balance will not only be of the utmost import for employees but for HR professionals as well.
Secondly, HR graduates, even if working in a traditional office setting, will be expected to be well versed in the use of HR analytics and HRIS packages (i.e. UKG Pro, TriNet, BambooHR, UKG Ready, Workday Human Capital Management, Ceridian Dayforce, Oracle Cloud HCM, ADP Workforce Now, Oracle PeopleSoft HCM, Paychex Flex, and Zenefits) which integrate HR functions including job analysis and job design, recruitment and selection of employees, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, and employee retention. HR graduates should also be quite comfortable using computer hardware and software that facilitate virtual meetings and conferences - in person job interviews may become the thing of the past and replaced with Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex Meetings and even Skype or WhatsApp.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Denise Potosky Ph.D.: In order to effectively staff positions that are essential to the business, HR managers will need to pay close attention to the dramatic shifts and increased volatility we've seen in the job market over the past two years. During and immediately following the 2008 recession, the labor market was "loose," meaning that there were fewer job openings than there were people who could fill those positions. In the years prior to the pandemic, the labor market was relatively "tight" for many skilled positions in that there were more job openings than qualified job applicants. Many organizations focused on their internal labor markets to develop talent from within as a way to ensure staffing key roles. The pandemic has abruptly altered both internal and external labor markets, and the path forward is not always clear. Individuals who are seeking careers in HRM will need to bring a strong understanding of labor economics and staffing strategies in order to estimate and moderate fluctuating talent needs. Some creativity and fresh ideas for recruiting and developing employees who may need to step into new ways of working or step up to new roles would also help.
Kristi Yowell
Coordinator & Senior Adjunct Lecturer, Graduate Human Resources Management ProgramWhat are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Kristi Yowell: I think it goes without saying that the pandemic has forced employers to make overnight changes with regard to how business is conducted, including but not limited to where and how work is done. With much of the country working remotely during this time, it's a change we can expect to see continue post-pandemic. Employers have found that productivity has remained high, and in many cases, increased. Employers are discussing where they can continue to utilize remote workforces to reduce overhead costs as well as offer more flexibility to their workforce moving forward.
Continuing with the theme of flexibility, age-old policies and practices requiring employees to separate work and personal, such as managing parental responsibilities during working hours, have been challenged. Over the past 10 months, we've found that it's necessary for employees to simultaneously juggle these responsibilities - with access to childcare and in-person K-12 school schedule disruptions - and that, while exhausting, they are able to balance without the oversight of rigid policies. We've also all seen high unemployment rates and hiring freezes during the pandemic.
With news of the vaccine becoming available and additional guidance being released and clarified from the CDC, we can expect to see job restoration and new positions posted again as we head toward spring.
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Human Resources?
Kristi Yowell: Be open and flexible! Hardly ever do I encounter a seasoned professional whose career has gone exactly as they expected. Rather, some of the most exciting and lucrative opportunities are unplanned. Unplanned does not mean unprepared. It's important to know your strengths, continue to learn - formally and informally, network, and be professionally engaged in professional associations, workplace committees and task forces, and so forth. It's through these engagements that we expand and grow and position ourselves for some of the "unplanned." When able, say "yes" to opportunities to engage, join, and collaborate.
Dr. John Kilburn Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Research and ProfessorTexas A&M International University
Social Sciences Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Kilburn Ph.D.: The use of technology and social media will continue to play an increasingly important role in getting all types of business done. Zoom meetings and multimedia interaction will be with us for many years.
What skills stand out on Director Of Human Resources resumes?
Dr. John Kilburn Ph.D.: Communication skills have always been essential, but now people must be able to communicate by utilizing multiple forms of media. Also, in a networked society, speed is ever more important. A good employee must be able to think and address any issue rapidly. If the employee doesn't know the answer, they need to know how to find the answer or find the person that will take action to address any issues that arise.
Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for people who can manage and analyze data.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Laura McCloud Ph.D.: I expect that we will see all fields supporting health professions grow. Many of our sociology majors, as an example, are thinking of ways they can apply their skills in public health or medical administration. I also think we're seeing a very meaningful shift between specialized service jobs and non-specialized service jobs. This divide has been growing for decades, but the pandemic really highlights how service work is splitting between good and bad jobs. "Good" service jobs, like mine as a professor, can be done in different settings and situations and give me the resources and physical safety I need to carry on comfortably during this pandemic. Many of my students, on the other hand, work in "bad" service jobs while in college, like in retail and food service, which can't be done safely during the pandemic and do not provide them with the pay and benefits they need to be safe.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Directors Of Human Resources to find work opportunities?
Laura McCloud Ph.D.: If anything, experiencing the pandemic has shown me just how valuable the skill of understanding social behavior is. All industries would benefit from employing social scientists. That said, many of our graduates work in social services, and many social services will continue to see cuts post-pandemic, making it more difficult to find a position similar to what they were envisioning pre-pandemic. Geographically, it is very difficult for young adults to find a good location to start a career. Most areas with robust job markets have very high housing costs, and most areas with affordable housing have weaker professional job markets. I also see more of my students prioritizing being physically close to their friends and family after graduation, which may mean fewer will move far away for job opportunities than had pre-pandemic.
Dr. Vinh Nguyen Ph.D.
Professor of Business AdministrationCoe College
Business Administration Department
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Directors Of Human Resources to find work opportunities?
Dr. Vinh Nguyen Ph.D.: HRM graduates can find jobs in a variety of organizations - small and large, for-profit or non-profit - and for the government. Of course, big cities will offer many more opportunities for new graduates than in smaller cities. However, big cities come with much higher competition for candidates to find jobs. Thus, there will be good opportunities across the U.S., especially when Covid-19 is gone!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Of Human Resources job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vinh Nguyen Ph.D.: The job market does not look good right now with many people being laid off and unemployed. However, in a few more months from now when most people get the vaccine for Covid-19, the job market will become not only normal but also will grow quickly. There will be an abundance of opportunities for both organizations and prospective employees to meet and match. Thus, there is great hope for the job market across all industries that will begin soon in the year 2021.
What general advice would you give to a Director Of Human Resources?
Ryan Ceresola: In the workplace, your value has never been about what grade you've received in a particular class. It is about your ability to think critically and in a nuanced way about projects and the needs of a certain employer. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself to conduct such work is to learn about your role from others in similar fields. Read through online forums, watch YouTube videos, and check out blogs of practitioners early on in your career. Even better - connect to individuals you know who are on similar career paths about what they've done and how they've been successful. By senior year of college, you should have the ability to search for information on your own, parse through it, and be able to interpret and learn from it on your own. Use those skills!