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

What is a human resources executive and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Sandi Dornhecker

A Human Resources Executive develops and leads human resources programs like compensation and benefits. As a Human Resources Executive, you can also be tasked to manage teams, gather data, create guidelines, and coordinate with other people and departments.

Of course, since you have an important task, you also need to possess important skills. Firstly, you need to have good interpersonal skills. Working as a Human Resources Executive will have you dealing and working with many different people, so you should know how to approach different types of people. Next is leadership skills. As a Human Resources Executive, you will have other people working under you, so you should know how and where to lead them. Lastly, you need to have excellent organizational skills. You will have a lot on your plate, so you should know how to stay organized despite your heavy workload.

One of the best things about being a Human Resources Executive is that you can earn an annual average salary of $58,650. There is also a job growth rate of 7%, so you know that there is somewhat a demand in this line of work. Lastly, you can further your career as a Human Resources Executive. You can become an Assistant Manager, a Human Resources Manager, and a Regional Human Resources Manager.

What general advice would you give to a human resources executive?

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 Resources ExecutiveUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,219

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 74.06%

male 25.94%

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 resources executive

Explore human resources executive education requirements

Most common human resources executive degrees

Bachelor's

53.7 %

Master's

31.2 %

Associate

6.2 %

Start to develop specific human resources executive skills

Skills	Percentages
Payroll	13.72%
Data Entry	13.18%
Performance Management	7.33%
HRIS	5.30%
Exit Interviews	4.28%

Research human resources executive duties and responsibilities

Lead development of global HRIS system, enabling access from single point on global basis throughout different time zones.
Manage and/or direct several HRIS system changes or modifications resulting in increase efficiency and meeting the organization's increasing needs.
Manage compliance review of FLSA classification and analyze headcount and turnover reports and provide recommendations to management regarding appropriate headcount actions.
Authore employee manual covering issues like disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.

Get human resources executive experience

Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a human resources executive. The most common roles before becoming a human resources executive include human resources manager, director of human resources team lead and internship.

Prepare your human resources executive resume

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