Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResumeSkillsWhat They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob Outlook

Compare

FAQsPart Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobsWork From Home jobsLocationsInterview QuestionsCover Letter

Human resources manager vs director of human resources

The differences between human resources managers and directors of human resources can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a human resources manager and a director of human resources. Additionally, a director of human resources has an average salary of $100,601, which is higher than the $80,442 average annual salary of a human resources manager.

The top three skills for a human resources manager include performance management, customer service and payroll processing. The most important skills for a director of human resources are performance management, HRIS, and employee engagement.

Human resources manager vs director of human resources overview

Human Resources ManagerDirector Of Human Resources
Yearly salary$80,442$100,601
Hourly rate$38.67$48.37
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs43,45346,924
Job satisfaction4.675
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

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.

What does a director of human resources do?

A human resources director is responsible for managing the overall operations of the human resources department, ensuring smooth operations while meeting the company's goals of successful profitability and services. Human resources directors' duties include providing staff consultation, addressing staffing concerns, managing compensation and benefits plans, reviewing plans for training and development programs, and reporting future actions to the management. A human resources director must have excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills to help lead the business to its growth and development.

Human resources manager vs director of human resources salary

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

Human Resources ManagerDirector Of Human Resources
Average salary$80,442$100,601
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $113,000Between $68,000 And $147,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyBain & CompanyMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between human resources manager and director of human resources education

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

Human Resources ManagerDirector Of Human Resources
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources manager vs director of human resources demographics

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

Human Resources ManagerDirector Of Human Resources
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 35.0% Female, 65.0%
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 human resources manager and director of human resources duties and responsibilities

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

Director of human resources example responsibilities.

  • Recruit, negotiate new benefit contracts, manage compensation budget with department managers, process and oversee payroll.
  • Develop a structure interview process, implement online background investigation, integrity surveying applications, and manage the HRIS system.
  • Adopt mediation as a prefer means of reduce cost employee dispute resolution.
  • Design performance management training program and develop and deliver sexual harassment and EEO training to production show staff.
  • Maintain affirmative action and OSHA documentation.
  • Lead responsibility for all employment litigation and administrative charges.
    • Show more

Human resources manager vs director of human resources skills

Common human resources manager skills
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Payroll Processing, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Employee Engagement, 5%
  • EEO, 4%
Common director of human resources skills
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Employee Engagement, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Succession Planning, 4%

Human Resources Manager vs. similar jobs

Human Resources Manager related careers

Human Resources Manager related jobs

Human Resources Manager jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs