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Head of human resources vs human resources manager

The differences between heads of human resources and human resources managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a head of human resources and a human resources manager. Additionally, a head of human resources has an average salary of $164,136, which is higher than the $80,442 average annual salary of a human resources manager.

The top three skills for a head of human resources include EEO, excellent interpersonal and HRIS. The most important skills for a human resources manager are performance management, customer service, and payroll processing.

Head of human resources vs human resources manager overview

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Manager
Yearly salary$164,136$80,442
Hourly rate$78.91$38.67
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs54,20943,453
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does a head of human resources do?

Head of human resources leads human resource projects, such as compensation plans revisions. They implement functional internal databases and HRMS across each department and location.

What does a human resources manager do?

Human resources managers, or HR managers, are responsible for the overall conduct of the different facets of human resources in the organization. They oversee the different processes involved in recruitment, compensation and benefits, talent development, organizational development, employee relations, and employee engagement. It is important that HR managers are well-versed in the different facets of HR. They set policies and procedures, as well as guiding principles of the organization related to these facets. They must be able to balance the needs of the employees and the rules of the management team. HR managers should have strong decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and management skills.

Head of human resources vs human resources manager salary

Heads of human resources and human resources managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Manager
Average salary$164,136$80,442
Salary rangeBetween $105,000 And $255,000Between $56,000 And $113,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MNSacramento, CA
Highest paying stateMaineWashington
Best paying companyCitiBain & Company
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between head of human resources and human resources manager education

There are a few differences between a head of human resources and a human resources manager in terms of educational background:

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Head of human resources vs human resources manager demographics

Here are the differences between heads of human resources' and human resources managers' demographics:

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 44.1% Female, 55.9%Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between head of human resources and human resources manager duties and responsibilities

Head of human resources example 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.
  • Top responsible for benefits administration, recruiting, associate relations, FMLA administration.
  • Direct all HRIS transactions, including payroll for employees and freelance staff; recurring payroll tax and other filings.
    • Show more

Human resources manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage audit efforts to ensure compliance with OFCCP and EEOC standards
  • Manage requisitions, rout candidates and determine the disposition of each candidate using iCIMS.
  • Manage all monthly and quarterly financial statement reviews by board as well as A/R, A/P and general ledger.
  • Manage, implement, and administer proper hiring process to reduce turnover in compliance with e-verify processes and federal law.
  • Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
  • Manage system upgrades, testing and documentation of enterprise-wide PeopleSoft Payroll/HRMS system.
    • Show more

Head of human resources vs human resources manager skills

Common head of human resources skills
  • EEO, 8%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 7%
  • HRIS, 6%
  • Employee Engagement, 6%
  • Succession Planning, 5%
  • Strategic Plan, 4%
Common human resources manager skills
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Payroll Processing, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Employee Engagement, 5%
  • EEO, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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