How To Become A Human Resource Officer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a human resource officer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Sandi Dornhecker

Human resource (HR) officers are connected with all activities involving employees and their human resources. HR officers are critical to any organization with a workforce. They are involved in everything from recruitment and development to hiring, benefits administration, and even conflict resolution.

Human resource officers may also help train staff on specific subjects. They develop training programs based on employee's current needs. The goal of HR officers is to staff the organization with a productive workforce. They often accomplish this by improving current employees or finding talented recruits.

HR officers also represent employees' rights. They ensure that employers follow employment laws, and they protect workers from discrimination and unfairness in the workplace. HR officers also often accommodate employees' special requests, especially when such is needed to increase productivity.

To become an HR officer, you need a bachelor's degree in personnel management, human resources development, etc. You'll also need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with people at various levels.

What general advice would you give to a human resource officer?

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.

ScoreHuman Resource OfficerUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,540

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 55.69%

male 44.31%

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 human resource officer

Explore human resource officer education requirements

Most common human resource officer degrees

Bachelor's

66.0 %

Master's

19.4 %

Associate

6.3 %

Start to develop specific human resource officer skills

Skills	Percentages
Human Resources Functions	15.64%
Performance Management	7.36%
Personnel Actions	6.39%
EEO	4.72%
HRIS	3.92%

Research human resource officer duties and responsibilities

Develop FMLA policy, create curricula and training for supervisory staff, and lead stand up instruction for the leadership team.
Recruit, negotiate new benefit contracts, manage compensation budget with department managers, process and oversee payroll.
Assist employees with benefit selections, FMLA, payroll deductions, EEO, and personnel information.
Prepare government reports relate to EEO compliance, ensure all plans are in compliance with federal and state regulations.

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