How To Become A Head Of Human Resources: What It Is and Career Path

What is a head of human resources and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Sandi Dornhecker

As a Head of human resources, you will lead HR projects. You'll develop strategic HR plans and policies revolving around recruitment, training, compensation, and the like. You'll manage the budget and other financial operations of the HR department. Besides that, you may oversee relocation, employee communication, employee safety, and community relations. Furthermore, you'll evaluate the benefits programs and suggest changes. Additionally, you'll organize employee training and development programs. Also, you'll oversee the payroll and performance evaluation systems.

For this job, you need at least a bachelor's degree in human resource management, psychology, or a related discipline. You must have a minimum of five years of experience in a related field. You must possess problem-solving, leadership, people, decision-making, communication, and teamwork skills. Likewise, you must be familiar with labor legislation and designing benefits programs. This personnel earns an average annual income of $118,971. This falls between $55,000 and $258,000.

What general advice would you give to a head of human resources?

Sandi Dornhecker

Vice President of Human Resources, Chicago Zoological Society

To always remain positive. The job market has been flooded with unemployed workers, so the competition may be much steeper than usual, although I've read some articles that say this may not be the case as the number of quality applicants in the workforce remains the same. If you haven't found a position in your desired career yet, take positions and work when and where you can. Give it your all while you are working, strive to excel in your performance, no matter what your job is, and be a dedicated worker while you are there. If one is looking for employment, take your time to review the job(s) and requirements of the positions you are applying for to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and/or are able to speak to how your skills are transferable; don't just take a shotgun approach. Write a customized cover letter for each position you apply for that reflects how your knowledge, background, and skills apply to the position and why you are interested. Answer all on-line application questions honestly and thoroughly. Write a thank-you note, if you are granted an interview. When you start a new job, be a sponge. Learn as much as you can and be willing to go the extra mile. This is a unique year to start one's career, and a graduate can learn unique lessons in both positive and challenging experiences.

ScoreHead Of Human ResourcesUS Average

Salary

9.3

Avg. Salary $164,136

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 55.90%

male 44.10%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a head of human resources

Explore head of human resources education requirements

Most common head of human resources degrees

Bachelor's

61.0 %

Master's

23.1 %

Associate

5.0 %

Start to develop specific head of human resources skills

Skills	Percentages
EEO	7.55%
Excellent Interpersonal	7.31%
HRIS	5.71%
Employee Engagement	5.70%
Succession Planning	5.16%

Research head of human resources duties and responsibilities

Manage FMLA, general leaves of absence, and workers compensation programs.
Manage recruitment for personnel and initial phone screening with the use of Taleo and Visio.
Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
Ensure compliance with ISO policies and procedures and perform audits.

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