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What is a human relations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Sandi Dornhecker

Human relations managers work towards creating a conflict-free and motivating working environment for employees. Taking the necessary measures to ensure a positive workplace is their main responsibility for ample diversity and a strong representation of employees' rights. Coming up with attractive benefits packages is also part of their job.

As a human relations manager, you will have to study the benefits packages assembled by firms that compete with your company in attracting talent. You will interview staff to understand their needs and design benefits that are able to satisfy them. You will also educate employees on responsible communication, creating platforms where potential tension between management and workers may be resolved.

A bachelor's degree in business administration or human resources is generally required for this position. It takes some experience to rise to this position, as well as a thorough understanding of the human psyche. But once you do, your salary will range around a yearly average of $81,000, allowing you a comfortable living and a career that makes a difference in people's lives.

What general advice would you give to a human relations manager?

Sandi DornheckerSandi Dornhecker LinkedIn profile

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.
ScoreHuman Relations ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.2

Avg. Salary $79,917

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 57.22%

male 42.78%

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

Human relations manager career paths

Key steps to become a human relations manager

  1. Explore human relations manager education requirements

    Most common human relations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.0 %

    Master's

    19.7 %

    Associate

    10.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific human relations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Human Resources18.41%
    Conflict Resolution13.30%
    Performance Management12.88%
    Employee Development5.76%
    Related Training5.57%
  3. Research human relations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
    • Implement a company conversion to a bi-weekly payroll to reduce payroll fees.
    • Prepare semi-monthly payroll and coordinate changes to employee status to payroll vendor, reconcile and record payroll in QuickBooks.
    • Provide and consistently document corporate-wide decisions in keeping with best practices and to minimize risk and litigation in employee relations situations.
  4. Apply for human relations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a human relations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first human relations manager job

Zippi

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Average human relations manager salary

The average human relations manager salary in the United States is $79,917 per year or $38 per hour. Human relations manager salaries range between $58,000 and $109,000 per year.

Average human relations manager salary
$79,917 Yearly
$38.42 hourly

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Human relations manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

It increase ones knowledge about information

Cons

Too task a times and need to do a lot of review


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

Successful career placement and advancement for both employee and company

Cons

The turnover that comes in the retail industry


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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