Post job

What is a program manager/human resources and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Sandi Dornhecker,
Dr. Daryl Green

A Human Resources Program Manager is responsible for controlling the flow, direction, and quality of the work done in the HR department. They are meant to act as a guide and a mentor to personnel and shape and plan the various programs and processes within HR.

This means that they also write and publish job specifications, develop training programs and host workshops, conduct HR-related research, including their work, budget, goals, and policies, and can even advise on how to improve on these things or modify much of them themselves, and may act as a representative of the department with higher-ups and clients.

A person seeking work as a Human Resources Program Manager generally needs to have a Bachelor's degree in an applicable field and, more importantly, years of previous experience working in the Department of Human Resources. HR Certification, such as SHRM-CP, might be preferred. The HR Program Manager earns $99,132 a year, on average.

What general advice would you give to a program manager/human resources?

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.
ScoreProgram Manager/Human ResourcesUS Average
Salary
8.1

Avg. Salary $119,154

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 65.02%

male 34.98%

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

Program manager/human resources career paths

Key steps to become a program manager/human resources

  1. Explore program manager/human resources education requirements

    Most common program manager/human resources degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.9 %

    Master's

    19.6 %

    Associate

    13.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific program manager/human resources skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management17.96%
    Program Management10.30%
    Process Improvement8.13%
    Payroll7.54%
    HRIS6.37%
  3. Research program manager/human resources duties and responsibilities

    • Manage compliance review of FLSA classification and analyze headcount and turnover reports and provide recommendations to management regarding appropriate headcount actions.
    • Ensure unit meet quick response requirements by scheduling training for maintenance personnel and coordinating logistics for mission success.
    • Work closely with CPA to ensure all other tax payments are process timely.
    • Prepare monthly trail balance and financial statement, year end reconciliation for review with outside CPA.
  4. Apply for program manager/human resources jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a program manager/human resources 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 program manager/human resources job

Zippi

Are you a program manager/human resources?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average program manager/human resources salary

The average program manager/human resources salary in the United States is $119,154 per year or $57 per hour. Program manager/human resources salaries range between $90,000 and $156,000 per year.

Average program manager/human resources salary
$119,154 Yearly
$57.29 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do program managers/human resources rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Program manager/human resources reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.

Pros

Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR


profile
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.


Working as a program manager/human resources? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse executive management jobs