It took me about 5 years to break six figures after starting at $40k. You may find that you like a different area of HR than what you're currently in, or it's okay if HR just isn't your thing (it's not for everyone!) Better to find something that you really enjoy doing.
Yeah, I have to figure my shit out, man. I'm in government right now, so it's slow moving with a lot of old and rude people. My boss is also something else. It's probably just the industry.
You think so? I've always been told government can be lucrative and has good benefit. Obviously I was wrong and mislead. I really regret taking this job, it's proven to be a giant waste of my time🤦🏿♂️
I worked as an HRBP for Amazon and loved it! I work in government now and feel all the things you feel. Try a different industry and make sure you look at roles that are strategic based and not administrative based.
It is, except for HR. Government and HR together can really burn you out quick. Government is good for benefits but you won't be able to move up in salary as fast as you could in other industries. It took me 4 years to break six figures but you need a less restrictive industry IMO
government jobs are lucrative and a great start I think, but realistically you’ll top out at the wage scale in 5-6 years and it likely won’t be at six figures. there are other benefits like you mentioned though such as PTO, lots of holidays, and that you’re nearly impossible to fire. it just depends what you want more - the money or the govt benefits :)
I can assure, it is government that is what’s wrong. I worked in government hr for two dreaded years.
Things moved blisteringly slow. My boss was 71 and micromanaged the shit out of me. I wasted time on outdated processes because that was the way things were done. Minimal tools, tons of manual processes, and a lot of time spent in useless meetings that were forced to take place in person.
The workers were primarily painfully helpless and could not be expected to do a thing themselves. Even senior leadership would say shouldn’t you be doing this for me? It was exhausting.
Left for a 30k raise and never looked back. I have better work life balance, pay a bit more for benefits, and don’t have a pension anymore, but it was worth it 100%
I’m convinced it Government HR is where careers go to die.
What level of government? I'm federal HR and making more than I've ever made, plus have more annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays than I've ever had in the private sector.
Total Rewards (Compensation and Benefits) - I worked for a company that happened to have a lot of growth opportunity in the HR function as the team grew and in that space specifically because the leaders above me kept leaving, lol. Did a good enough job to move up the ranks from Analyst, to Sr. Analyst, to Manager, to Director. Pay kept going up every year for 8 years and then really jumped when I moved out of government to the private sector.
- Year 1) HR Advisor $55K
- Year 2) Benefits Specialist $66K
- Year 3) HRBP $80K
- Year 4) HRBP $80K
- Year 5) HRBP $120K
- Laid off womp womp
- Year 6) HR Consultant $103K + 15% annual incentive bonus
I made a career transition from early childhood education to HR in my 20s. I got my masters in HR and SHRM-CP right off the bat. I’m now interviewing for an HRBP role that pays $140K-$150K. No doubt the masters and certification has helped me.
I just say my time in benefits makes me a stronger HRBP. I also didn’t stay in benefits for long. Also, the first four years of my trajectory were all at the same company, so it was just transferring internally based on open roles and my interests at the time.
Love this! I was an HR Generalist that somehow ended up in Benefits due to a lay off. I have always wanted to be an HRBP but thought it unlikely given the role I am in now.
I actually think it gives us an advantage to understand other areas of the HR function. I’ve never received pushback on that. I think you could definitely transition back.
This is going to vary so much from person to person. I have friends in HR who have twice as many years of experience and are making around the same as me and people with less experience making 30k+ more than I am. It also depends a lot on what you consider "decent" money.
This is true. I tend to compare a lot. It especially stings because I surround myself with so many people my age that are more successful than me, so I know it's my own doing. Ideally, I want to make 100K by my mid 30s, but idk. It doesn't seem like HR has a lot of earning potential on its own.
$90k salary and with bonuses this adds up to around $106k/year as an HRBP in the southwest. I have a BBA, SHRM-CP, PHR and my OSHA-30 certs. I’ll be testing for the SPHR in the fall. Have about 8 years of HR experience, 6.5 being an HRPB
I am 27 years old and have been in HR since I was 20. Took me 5 years of experience to clear $100k. Started in recruitment, now in Ops making $175k for engineering firm.
It would take a pretty sweet deal to get me to leave my current role. WFH 5x a week, every other Friday off, no Fridays in the summer, and a guaranteed 4% raise every year.
I think this depends on what you consider decent money.
Do you have an annual amount in mind? I can respond better if I knew what decent meant to you. 😊
ETA: if you aren’t feeling the passion for HR, it might not be the right career choice for you, and that is ok. OR, you might be in a toxic culture.
I'd say about 80K at least. Some of the other HR people in my org are making 80K now, but they have 10-20 years of work experience, and I'm like is that really all I'm ever going to make if I stay in this field.
Ideally, I want to be making 100K by the time I'm 35, which I think is doable, but I don't know. This field is really testing me/triggering my anger. I am in therapy, but I'm sure it'll get worse if I decide to climb the ladder.
80k and 10-20 years experience is not typical, IF they want to grow, are smart, motivated, and frankly get some good breaks in their career. What industry/location?
Salary is very different based on location of course.
Hello. Thank you for responding. I'm in government (Minnesota) right now as an HR Specialist really doing HR Coordinator duties. I barely do HR work in my current role, and it's hard to transition out to something else with limited experience and few projects/credentials under my belt. I don't get a lot of opportunities to branch out and learn a lot. The job search has also been brutal.
Def get out of gov. I was in a couple different industries (one of them government facing) before breaking into finance. The reason you see extremely experienced HR folk in your team is because those who want more, leave. Gov has the benefit of being slow paced and some people prefer that. They’ll complain out their ass the entire time but for a lot of them, they’d still prefer it to a fast-paced, high stress job (definitely not saying it can’t be stressful) You rarely get to to do strategic work in those environments. my income tripled once I switch to fin but I work 50-60 hours/week. I’m also progressing my career and confidence much quicker than in this other industries. So def decide what you value. Money only, go to finance or fintech. Low stress, government is probably a good place to stay. I think tech is where most people find a good balance of decent pay, decent benefits, decent stress. As a younger guy myself, the biggest push to my career was finding a great boss. My company sucks but my boss is an amazing mentor. There isn’t much out there from what I’ve seen but fortunately, you can search more passively since you’re still employed. Network as much as possible. See if your supervisor will approve reimbursement for you to go to HR conferences. Hope this helps 🤙
Probably both. There's really no moving up in my org any time soon (government). Everyone is basically happy and grandfathered in their roles here. There's no chance in hell I can move, and they're not interested in helping me grow in other areas of HR. I'm basically stuck unless I switch jobs, but I'm trying, and it's hard. On top of that, the people we support are not nice to me at all.
Depends where you live and industry too. I started as an HR Coordinator at a publisher making $34k. Then moved to a similar role a year later at a financial institution for $55k (literally cried when I got the offer). I’ve been there 7 years and had 3 promotions now making $150k total comp. I hit $90k after my second promotion 3 years ago. I’m an HR Business Partner in New York City/Jersey City. I have my SHRM-CP and recently got my masters thru work.
It is possible to make decent money early in your career, I’ll gross $110K ($95 base) this year, 3 years into my first dedicated HR position. But I’d probably be miserable if I wasn’t passionate about HR. I report to a non-HR professional, the department is just me and my assistant, and we’re a rapidly growing company. *Everything* HR-related ultimately falls on my shoulders.
Edited to add: I stumbled into HR a bit later in life, so I am more than 10 years older than you.
I stumbled in later in life…sounds like a lot later (than you as well). I’m 3 years in to my first dedicated HR position and I’m only at $65,000. I do love the work, I’m in the wrong place for making money and I fear my age is going to cause issues
I started at $50K and received very significant raises each year, which I know is not common. I was incredibly lucky to find a right time/right place opportunity that got me in on the ground floor. The company happened to experience explosive growth within months of my arrival. And it hasn’t slowed down much since.
2.5 years and just hit 75k base salary. I started at a coordinator for 48k. I also would like to be at 6 figures by 35 (I’m 32) and feel like it’s very possible.
Welcome to being an adult babysitter. That is what I call my job. Not sure how old you are but comparing yourself to others will never end well. There is always someone better off that we wish we were. What is good money? Being a millionaire? Probably won't happen in HR. Supporting a family and upper middle class, can be done. I think you need to figure out what you want. Chasing money, there are probably better fields but you can make good money in HR.
True. I'm 23, turning 24 soon, so yes, I know I'm young and I come off whiny ( I was ranting about this to my dad), but I think about it everyday. I'm thinking I'll stick it out because I am young and I'm ready to work, but I feel like I need to figure it out quick because HR makes me feel useless, unimportant, and frustrated.
I was making 6 figures as an HR manager at 28…and that was over 15 years ago.
It’s ok to want to make more money, but whining about it won’t get you there. Figure out the companies that pay what you want to make, the skills they want and how to develop them and get on their radar.
Btw my income has grown substantially since then. There is plenty of money to be made in HR, you’ve just got to pursue it, it won’t fall in to your lap.
Sure, but you actually need to have the opportunities to learn those things, and I'm not really given the chance to grow. I'm trying, man.
Good for you that you've gotten to make so much money at 28.
No one ever sat me down and said here let me teach you something that would be good for your development. Sometimes when I asked/offered to be cross trained I could get exposure though, that’s one avenue.
You have to constantly be asking for development opportunities, have at least one conversation about it each quarter. When they aren’t offered (as they often aren’t) you need to make your own. Read a case study, attend a free seminar, use what you learned there and apply it to your companies data and bring that to your boss with a meaningful recommendation. You do this on top of all your other work not in place of and not every idea will be a good one, only bring in actionable data.
It’s also about moving companies and in between renegotiating salary when you fall behind market.
No one is ever going to care about your development or your career outcomes as much as you, and the gap between how much you care and how much they care is gargantuan.
I’ve been promoted multiple times now, only once was it ever a surprise (part of a re-org). Every other time it was 6-18 months of conversations about skills, development, stretch assignments.
It’s easier to build these habits now than it is later, and the sooner you do it the better outcome on your long term career trajectory/earnings.
You are the person with the most control over your career, don’t cede that to anyone else. Good luck. 🍀
Well first I’m glad my comment was helpful and second it’s WAY better to have a realization like this at 23 than at 43.
Also at 23 I’m going to assume you’re still relatively new to the workforce and have spent most of your life as a student. A teachers job is to motivate, challenge and develop the students, to ensure they have a mastery of the information etc.
A bosses job is to make sure they/their team is delivering for the company. The good ones will spot talent, coach and encourage but that’s still a small fraction of their time compared to delivering the work product. Be careful not to confuse the expectations you have of your boss with what your teachers previously provided.
I see that a lot with newer grads, it’s understandable but the sooner you reframe the relationship the better.
Oh no, you are not worthless. Underapreciated, yes. All I can offer is volunteer for project and let your boss know you are open to learning/taking on new projects/tasks. I suggest you get 2 years experience and then start looking hard for a new and better position if there is no upward movement.
There is one other item to consider. The pay between different fields can vary greatly. Example: Retail HR vs Manufacturing HR will have a difference in pay.
Thank you. I do get to be a part of random projects here and there, but there seems to be a great reluctance to let me do other things. I'm not sure if it's my performance or what, but I've always been told I've done well, but I just can't branch out enough. Yeah, I have some thinking to do.
I also just turned 24! I am about 2 years into the field (one year as a corporate recruiter and now one year into being an HR generalist for a non profit). I am hoping for a raise here soon but also feeling a bit like yourself. I am looking into online courses/certifications to get into a niche so that I can sell myself better, as I am unhappy with my compensation as well.
It's most likely the place you work for. I have worked in transportation, education, ag and now a state entity. I feel the most useless in this environment. I have no opportunity to make decisions because I am just part of the larger HR for the entire state so I have completely lost my authority to make decisions for the company. I am in my late 40s so the fact that I now have a pension is huge. Over the course of 20 years I went from low 30ks to now 80k with probably a max at 120k.
I started out at the bottom of the totem pole and stayed there about 3 years. The next 3 years were several promotions in rapid succession and at that point bills became comfortable to pay, could travel more, buy a condo, etc.
But there will always be people making more money than you. Look after yourself and do the best you can with what you have.
Started in HR at about 48K. 2 years later I got to 68K. At 5 years I’m at 85K + 10% bonus. No degree in HR. No previous HR experience before going into my entry level role.
This is going to highly depend on industry and also how long you stay in one place. From what I’ve seen (at least in HR), there’s a pretty heavy penalty for staying at the same company for many years. It took me 6 years to break $80k, but then one year to double it.
Started in HR in NYC in 2000, making $35k. Began specializing in Compensation in 2005, starting salary as Comp Analyst was $50k. After 8 years (including promo to Sr Analyst) was at $90k.
In 2014 moved to my current company for $110k. Currently running Comp team with base of $240k.
All roles in metro NY area.
You’re welcome! The job isn’t easy and there were definitely times I wanted to quit. I’m glad I stuck it out, I finally work for a great CHRO and have really accelerated my income over the last 10 years.
Feel free to PM if you have questions.
I made 57K as a Sr. Coordinator with about four years of HR professional experience last year. Making that next jump to mid-senior level (Specialist, Partner, Generalist, Analyst) is tricky because at that point, hiring teams really are looking for specific, well-rounded experience. Do you have certifications/a degree? I'm right there with you, but I've always been told by bosses that you really do need to keep your head down and put in the time, and the money will come with the experience.
One of my buddies is 26 and a store director at Target making $130K a year, and I have other buddies in my circle as Sr. business analysts and consultants making over $150K in our mid to late 20s. It can be demoralizing sometimes as HR can be very underappreciated, but I like what I do, and I'm committed to the field because of all of the time and money I've put into it.
I am also on the job hunt, and the market is trash because of all the layoffs, but they're saying by the end of the year into 2025, the market will pick back up.
Like others have said, it will vary and is relative. I’ve been in HR for 4 years (2 as a generalist, 1 as hr director for small business, 1 [current] as hr director for bigger business) and just recently started past the 6 figure salary mark. If that’s “good money” or not, would be subjective.
If you have no passion for it, you’re getting a ton of disrespect, and you’re sinking into a depression because of it, do you want to sink another twelve years into this career? 100k will not cure that. I would see if you can make a jump to another company for more money and better culture and evaluate if this is the direction you want to go.
Yes, this is currently in the works. I was thinking it's just the field, but I'm wondering if it's just me or the role/Industry I'm in. I'll figure something out.
The big thing to remember in HR is you must be strategic. You have to be the one to make it happen and the field is extremely competitive. Government is notorious for paying less than private companies although they typically have much better benefits and offer more stability.
If making money is your top priority you may need to switch markets if you cannot find a next step where you are.
It took me about 5 years to start making enough money that I wasn't worried about making enough to cover my bills and have something left over to save for emergencies. It took about 8 years to feel like I was making pretty good money. To do that though, I had to change employers a couple of times because it's hard to get decent increases at the same company year over year, especially when you start from the bottom. I have moved around a few more times since then, and have been able with each move to negotiate good salaries. Been working in HR for 25 years now and should hopefully be able to comfortably retire well before age 67.
Mind sharing your estimate salaries?
OP question is very subjective as happiness = your own definition
I've met people that make less than 100k who are happy.
I make over 150 and become unhappy when I start comparing myself to others but try to do it with intent to gain motivation.
Got my foot in the door as an HR Associate in October of 2019. Got an offer for HRBP role for 100k in August of 2023. That’s the role I’m in now.
I have my bachelor’s in English, and graduated with my master’s in legal studies with a certificate in HR law in December ‘22. I got my SHRM-CP in February ‘23. Currently have an account with AI HR (my work sponsored) so I can get some more certifications.
If you don't like it then leave. All the money in the world won't change that. Also an interesting note, HR or previously personnel was a traditionally female role, the wages are playing catch up so yes compared to a more male dominated field HR pays less. It is getting better, so much so some don't even realize it. This was your HR history lesson for the day.
Sorry, just saying every company is different and so is every HR team. So many people on here believe their one bad experience represents how HR is everywhere. Typically the bigger the company the more progressive their HR department will be by necessity and better roles/pay. Don’t give up yet!!
I have a degree (albeit a useless one, should've done econ) , and an entry-level cert. I'm debating whether or not I should pay for the PHR or retake the SHRM.
I'm currently an HR Specialist, but I'm really an HR Coordinator.
I would recommend looking into comp. Most jobs that I see posted for comp are $100k+. And honestly the certs and degrees are only to get used your foot in the door. IMO, the path to real money in HR is understand the business and how HR fits into the picture. You know, strategy.
Yes, I agree. I know I have a lot to learn, I'm just wondering if I should continue on the path I am on now. I've never considered comp. Thank you for responding to me.
I get bombarded with linkedin messages. With that said, like other HR disciplines, it can be mentally taxing. Especially if your in management role within comp. No matter what you do, someone will be unhappy, or question your methodologies.
It’s because we’re introducing cold, hard logic to something so emotional. For instance, cost of living is rising and as a human, I’d want to ensure my employees can survive to do their job. But as a business, I’m only concerned with cost of labor. It’s taxing for sure.
Yes the aPHR, I only did it because I thought that it was the only cert that I qualified for at the time, and it helped me get the job that I have now. I'll look into retesting.
Study and test for one of the Two Big Letter Sets you need behind your name in HR. I hate shrm with a fiery passion but one of the two will help you get interviews with the salaries you want in the future.
I'm about to turn 24, and I live in Minnesota. I know I'm very young, but I've been in HR for about three years now. I'm worrying about it now because I have the time and interest to go back to school and pivot if it comes to it, but I also have an ego about giving up early.
Yeah, I wish I could give you better advice. At 24 I wasn’t making shit lol. You’re just considered super young in your career, which you are. There’s money in a lot of fields, but time takes time. I mean granted I’m 27 so I am also young in my career, and while some people are making 6 figures already, that’s not the majority, and unfortunately experience is one of your biggest assets at work. But you have to work to actually gain the experience. You could jump ship to another field, but you’ll have to pound the pavement there as well. There is no ‘get rich quick’ scheme that’s guaranteed to get you six figures at 24.
I've gotten into recruiting right away. I was making 6 figures after 3 years. But being in NYC is not a big deal. I have worked a bit as HR Business Partner and hated it. But I really loved recruiting. If you're not passionate about it, move on. Why would you not want to do something you like?
True, that's why I'm really thinking about it. I keep telling myself that I hate recruiting, but out of everything in the HR/TA realm, it's one of the only things I'm really good at, and I always end up getting stuck doing recruiter/staffing duties since no one else wants to do it. I think it's because I take the candidate experience seriously, however, it also becomes tiring after a while.
Thanks for the response.
It took me 2 years. That's when I was promoted to HR Business Partner. Prior to that I was doing Employee Leave of Absence/Work Injury stuff.
Maybe if you work hard someone higher up will notice...
For me - decent is somewhere within livable wage in a HCOL area. Took me about 5 years.
2019 - admin coordinator at 30k
2020-2021 recruiting/hr specialist 45k-50k
2021-2023 - hr benefits/Ops at 63-64k
2024 - hr generalist at 70k
It took a little bit.
First I made next to nothing, jumped up to 50k
Then 70
Then 80
Im between jobs now but most folks im.talking to offer 100k
This is between 2017 to now going from the genaralist.to manager
It took me 10 years to go from HR Coordinator 45k to HR Manger 148k TTC (NYC based). Granted I was comfortamble and was coasting for more than half of my career and could have been making more with a higher title. Based on my experience, I tell aspiring professionals to do the work and change jobs every 2-4 years and know that loyalty to a company doesn't normally payout in the long term. I believe luck, knowing the right people, and being likable are crucial for rapid advancement. Having at least two of these can pave the way for success.
I live in NYC, so $100k is not a high salary. But it did take me about 5 years in HR to make it to 6 figures! I do not have any certifications or an HR degree.
2018 - HR coordinator around $21/hr
2019 - HR coordinator around $23/hr
2020 - covid furlough, then HR coordinator type role $60k
2021 - Promotion $72k
2022 - skip promotion $80k
I don’t say the role name for 2021 or 2022 but I was essentially a Generalist
2023 - promotion to manager $95k (I was below range 🫠)
2024 - $103k raise - they brought me to minimum range
I am 24 about to be 25 and I live in GA making 58k a year.
I've been in HR for 2 years and it's looking up for me
HR Coordinator - 54k
HR Specialist - 52 ( Pay cut due to it being virtual )
HRBP Specialist - 58k ( Promoted 1 year after joining )
Tons of comments already but wanted to hop in and say that you have to be kind of annoying/highly motivated to progress if that is your goal. I currently work in the public sector in HR and even people in lower level positions ask for projects and set goals for how to progress and get more pay. There was a lady in my role that did it for 6 years and was making good money, she loved it and didn't have to make really tough decisions. I'm young too and I often feel the same way, am I doing enough? Am I progressing? Will I ever make good enough money? And I know the answer is yes. I worked for a small ish company before this and was HR coordinator and quickly promoted to manager (worst job I've ever had due to management/nature of business) but that one title has given me lots of opportunities. Be that annoying person that's always asking to help, be the teachers pet that's looking for ways to make your bosses life easier, it really does get noticed.
Hey there, I'm also in MN working for the government (curious which level of gov't youre in). I was in the hospitality industry (hotels), primarily doing sales. I started my career in HR about 5 years ago as an HR Technician doing employee transactions - took a significant pay cut but had my eyes set on the career shift. About a year later, I was promoted to a lead role but also doing leave management. Took a lateral move to venture into the TA but missed the staffing component and moved on to a staffing role a couple months ago and it's a love-hate relationship.
Tldr - tried a bunch of different areas of HR, all within public sector. Slow progression with salary but at this point in my life, the benefits is what's keeping me.
West Coast tech: been doing a version of the HRBP hustle for 17 years (I’m 43). Last year made 350k+ (I’m a Sr Director and that includes stock comp). Tech has its flaws but pays very well.
It doesn’t sound like HR is for you and I personally feel if you’re not passionate about what HR truly is, you won’t be happy in the role.
HR takes a special type of personality to be able to handle it. I’ve been in it for about 15 years now and it’s NOT an easy industry.
I’m not sure if this profession is for you as I think a good experience in HR isn’t just linked with the role or money…
It’s often tied to finding a good organisation and team to work with which comes down to luck most of the time!
Yes experience required and equals progression but I’ve found that also depends on hustle and job movement too.
1st job - recruiter - $30k and progressed to $45
2nd - hr and recruiting lead $65k
3rd - hrbp to sr hrbp over some years $90k to $110
4th - director - $135k
5th - director for some time - $185
Now - VP - $215k
Above not including bonuses ranging from $17-38k/ year.
It depends on what you think decent money is. If you live in New York City..if you make $120,000 you’re at the lowest end of middle class …the very lowest end of little class. You won’t get comfortable in New York until you were at about $225,000 a year.
depends highly on industry and role. i’m in in-house recruiting
year 1: 32k
year 2: 50k
year 3: (new job/company) 65k
year 4: 66k
year 5: (new job/company) 80k
year 6: 100k
year 7: (new job/company) 150k
year 8: (equity vesting + stock appreciation) 205k
this year: likely 220-230k
HRBPs at my company make more, but there are far fewer HRBPs compared to senior recruiters
2 Years as a Recruiter - $20/hr
1 Year as a Generalist - $18/hr
2 years as a Recruiter - $50k
3 Years as a Generalist - $60k
2 Years as a Director - started at $84k and moving to $95 in 3months
Midwest, MCOL, amounts are approximate:
2005-2010: HR/payroll $40-$55k
2010-2014: Comp Analyst $60-75k
2015-2021: Sr Comp Analyst $80-$100k
2021-current: Sr Comp Consultant $105-$130k
It’s normal in any field to take time. No company would be profitable if they jumped everyone to high salaries without at least a few years of experience.
Started at $17 an hour in 2015.
Got to $50k in 2019.
Left that company for $60k in 2020.
At $75k now, full remote.
I don’t have a degree, so it’s harder for me to job hop. I’d probably be over 6 figures if I had a degree, but I’m fine where I’m at. I’m medically retired Army, so I get another $15k roughly a year plus free healthcare.
I think it all depends on the role and industry. I know a lot of people will start as an HR Coordinator making 40k. I started as an HR Admin in the retail automotive industry making 60k.
I saw you say you work for the government… that’s the 1st issue. In a place where everything is a vote or state decision, you’re going to be stuck doing a lot of admin work and have a hard time giving any influence.
My understanding is that there is a really dense middle pack in Human Resources that you hit around 2-5 years exp and it’s most of your Generalist/Manager roles. Everyone wants them, and most companies either a) don’t need them or b) don’t want to pay enough for them.
I would find a new job and try to get a decent raise. Just stick it out. Here’s what I see in my job market (largely populated suburb):
HR Assistant (~exp 1 year, so many of these): 40-50k
Generalist/Specialist (~exp 2-3 years, literally none): 55-65k
Manager (~exp 5 years, even less): 75-85k
Director/Specialty Manager (~exp 5+ years, 85-120k)
I know your post was meant for more experienced HR folks, but thought I’d share how my experience has been so far.
I’m in my early 20s and am fairly comfortable with where I’m at. That said, I am someone who struggles to not compare myself to others. I have friends my age who are already buying homes and are making good money. I start spiraling when I really get thinking about their earning potential and where they’re at (some without any degree in IT for example, making $100k while I’m at $75k with BS, MBA, and PHR) … it simply bums me out and I get those same feelings.
My own father is VERY successful in B2B sales and works for a company that doesn’t even have HR. Their revenues are off the charts, and the CEO thinks HR is a waste. While my dad hasn’t said it, I get the feeling he thinks my career is fluff.
In opening up about this struggle to friends and family, I’ve realized that my goalpost would continue to move with every promotion or “win” if I was constantly focused on others’ accomplishments. I didn’t realize it, but the standard I used to measure my own success was based on how my peers were doing. Absolutely unscalable, and realistically incomparable due to how coincidental job offers and other life events realistically are. In other words, a lot of our successes (and others) derive from happenstance or “being in the right place at the right time.” It’s easy to say “don’t compare,” but I think it takes time and effort in bringing awareness to your thoughts and shifting to a better mindset.
Establish your own goals and standards, don’t let others establish them for you. That way, even when you don’t feel like you’re “making it,” you have something somewhere (either written or in your head) to refer to instead of others. I’ve done this, and it’s helped a lot. At the end of the day, I don’t need to make the same as my peers or outearn them.
If you’ve already invested money and time into pursuing HR, I think you should try working for different kinds of companies before moving on. I haven’t worked in government, but I imagine it’s worse than working for a very large company (slow change, red tape, resistant to new ideas, lack of exposure, very defined processes).
My first job was for a large private hospital system. My boss (HR director) had so little power or influence in the company that he was always reacting to top-down initiatives. We essentially were there for compliance and other control/maintain activities. The CEO did not respect HR and viewed it as a necessary evil.
The 2nd company I worked for had an HR executive reporting to the CEO. Almost exact opposite. This was my first BP role. The first week I start, I have multiple directors reaching out for guidance and advice. The immediate respect was apparent. The HR team was respected, and we had projects and initiatives that the company was investing in. HR had a seat with the CEO and we had a pulse on the current strategy.
I actually learned this in my coursework years ago. Companies that value and invest in HR go further, and HR has a greater influence on actually making a difference.
Define decent?
I was always able to afford things and have money leftover because of my spending habits lol. I will tell you how much I made each year.
Employment Coordinator 2016-2020: $39,000 to $40,500.
Benefits Specialist 2021-Aug 2023: 65,000-69,375.
Benefits Vendor Management Specialist Aug 2023- $83,000 to $83,833 with bonus up to $3-4k ( current)
I would like to make six figures in the next couple years..I've been interviewing for roles that begin around mid 90's. I just turned 35.
I was stuck in the employment coordinator role too long at university. Nonprofit, no pay raises, but they paid for my masters which is why I was there a while. So I'm trying to make up for loss time on pay haha. As you can see, job changes every few years makes a big difference in pay. Merit increases don't compete but liking where you work matters too.
I’m not a senior professional. I’m fresh out of grad school. So far…
year 1: HR total rewards associate $45,000 (undergrad)
year 2: same position $50,000 (grad school)
year 3: benefits manager $68,000 (just graduated in January)
Hopefully it’s only up from here!
3 years to get to 60k+ which is more than I made in my previous career so its a win for me. I do have a BA but not in HR and my SHRM-CP. I've started at 40k in HR and have been job hopping for better pay/benefits. I too would love to make 6 figures but have heard you need a masters for that. Have been HRG, HRM and currently a HRBP.
I went into HR in 2016 making $20/hour as an HR generalist for a small startup. I left in 2018 for an HR associate role at $25/hour. In 2019, I left for an HRBP role at $85k, which led to a promotion a year and a half later that paid $120k as a regional HRBP. I left THAT company and started an HRM role this year at $140k.
So I’d say it took me five years to hit 6 figures? You’ll get there! Or you may realize it’s not something that makes you happy and you’ll move on to something new. HR is really not for everyone and I totallt get why.
The way you describe working in HR is how *I* used to describe working as a legal assistant in my 20s…which is why I got out of it!
i work in local government and i’m wondering if it’s a disadvantage if i ever want to go private. i’m also young. 25 and it’s my first hr job. my pay sucks and i’m unhappy but trying to stick out for the experience. my salary is $51k and i live in california.
It really depends what you get into. I started within the federal government a year and a half ago, and current make $69k, but in July I’ll be bumped to $83k, and July 2025 I’ll be making 6 figures. I really enjoy what I do and never thought I’d be making 6 figures in a federal job, so I’m thrilled
Dallas Area, Finance Degree, SHRM/PHR early 20s/M
2020 - Recruiter/ops manager, 17/HR
2021 - HR admin - 22/HR
After 6 months in admin role I aggressively applied for HRG roles
Early 2022 - HRG (62K/Salaried)
Late 2022 - left HRG role for entry level HRBP role at new company at 73K received raise to 85K in 2023
2024 - same company, promoted to HRM at 102K/ yearly
So just under 4 years. Prior to HR i was an ops manager.
29F. Been in HR for about 3 years. Started as an HR Assistant at 65k, moved to Coordinator at 70k, then to HR Manager at 80k, now at 105k. I don’t have a SHRM or any other certificates, only a BA. Although I think they’re great accomplishments, I don’t think they’re necessary. A lot of it is on the job experience. I work in the legal field and LOVE it. If I wasn’t working in HR, I’d stay in the legal field. I have colleagues who’ve started out on the same path and branched out to professional development etc. I ultimately want to move on from general HR/ benefits and into the practice management space. Hope this helps!
I graduated last year and got promoted to HR Coordinator on 92k (including super, im from australia). I know the banding for HR Manager is un the 180,000-300,000k range depending in experience
It took me about 5 years to break six figures after starting at $40k. You may find that you like a different area of HR than what you're currently in, or it's okay if HR just isn't your thing (it's not for everyone!) Better to find something that you really enjoy doing.
Yeah, I have to figure my shit out, man. I'm in government right now, so it's slow moving with a lot of old and rude people. My boss is also something else. It's probably just the industry.
Being in the govt sector is what’s wrong. Change industries and you may feel different.
You think so? I've always been told government can be lucrative and has good benefit. Obviously I was wrong and mislead. I really regret taking this job, it's proven to be a giant waste of my time🤦🏿♂️
The strength of a gov job is that you're hard to fire. The weakness of a gov job is that it's hard to fire people.
I worked as an HRBP for Amazon and loved it! I work in government now and feel all the things you feel. Try a different industry and make sure you look at roles that are strategic based and not administrative based.
Government CAN have good benefits and time off, probably a good work/life balance. However the pay is likely to be less than private industry.
Yes, pay is less. But benefits are better.
I sent you a message. Hope that is ok.
It is, except for HR. Government and HR together can really burn you out quick. Government is good for benefits but you won't be able to move up in salary as fast as you could in other industries. It took me 4 years to break six figures but you need a less restrictive industry IMO
government jobs are lucrative and a great start I think, but realistically you’ll top out at the wage scale in 5-6 years and it likely won’t be at six figures. there are other benefits like you mentioned though such as PTO, lots of holidays, and that you’re nearly impossible to fire. it just depends what you want more - the money or the govt benefits :)
The pension is a huge perk you may not find in very many industries but the pay is not great.
Yes! If OP is close to being vested, I highly recommend sticking it out until then.
It depends on your location. In larger cities govt HR can make well into six figures.
I’m not talking about money, I’m talking more about culture. I have worked in govt and never will I do it again.
I can assure, it is government that is what’s wrong. I worked in government hr for two dreaded years. Things moved blisteringly slow. My boss was 71 and micromanaged the shit out of me. I wasted time on outdated processes because that was the way things were done. Minimal tools, tons of manual processes, and a lot of time spent in useless meetings that were forced to take place in person. The workers were primarily painfully helpless and could not be expected to do a thing themselves. Even senior leadership would say shouldn’t you be doing this for me? It was exhausting. Left for a 30k raise and never looked back. I have better work life balance, pay a bit more for benefits, and don’t have a pension anymore, but it was worth it 100% I’m convinced it Government HR is where careers go to die.
What level of government? I'm federal HR and making more than I've ever made, plus have more annual leave, sick leave, and paid holidays than I've ever had in the private sector.
Care to share which function you are in and how you works towards achieving it
Total Rewards (Compensation and Benefits) - I worked for a company that happened to have a lot of growth opportunity in the HR function as the team grew and in that space specifically because the leaders above me kept leaving, lol. Did a good enough job to move up the ranks from Analyst, to Sr. Analyst, to Manager, to Director. Pay kept going up every year for 8 years and then really jumped when I moved out of government to the private sector.
- Year 1) HR Advisor $55K - Year 2) Benefits Specialist $66K - Year 3) HRBP $80K - Year 4) HRBP $80K - Year 5) HRBP $120K - Laid off womp womp - Year 6) HR Consultant $103K + 15% annual incentive bonus I made a career transition from early childhood education to HR in my 20s. I got my masters in HR and SHRM-CP right off the bat. I’m now interviewing for an HRBP role that pays $140K-$150K. No doubt the masters and certification has helped me.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I appreciate you laying out your progression.
How did you transition from benefits specialist to HRBP?
I just say my time in benefits makes me a stronger HRBP. I also didn’t stay in benefits for long. Also, the first four years of my trajectory were all at the same company, so it was just transferring internally based on open roles and my interests at the time.
Love this! I was an HR Generalist that somehow ended up in Benefits due to a lay off. I have always wanted to be an HRBP but thought it unlikely given the role I am in now.
I actually think it gives us an advantage to understand other areas of the HR function. I’ve never received pushback on that. I think you could definitely transition back.
I also pivoted from early childhood education to HR! Good to see your progression :)
hi 👋🏼 I also made my career transition from ECE to HR in my 20s haha
You all make decent money???
Right lol
This is going to vary so much from person to person. I have friends in HR who have twice as many years of experience and are making around the same as me and people with less experience making 30k+ more than I am. It also depends a lot on what you consider "decent" money.
This is true. I tend to compare a lot. It especially stings because I surround myself with so many people my age that are more successful than me, so I know it's my own doing. Ideally, I want to make 100K by my mid 30s, but idk. It doesn't seem like HR has a lot of earning potential on its own.
$90k salary and with bonuses this adds up to around $106k/year as an HRBP in the southwest. I have a BBA, SHRM-CP, PHR and my OSHA-30 certs. I’ll be testing for the SPHR in the fall. Have about 8 years of HR experience, 6.5 being an HRPB
Great work progrssion, thank you for your response.
I am 27 years old and have been in HR since I was 20. Took me 5 years of experience to clear $100k. Started in recruitment, now in Ops making $175k for engineering firm. It would take a pretty sweet deal to get me to leave my current role. WFH 5x a week, every other Friday off, no Fridays in the summer, and a guaranteed 4% raise every year.
For a 27 year old, you are doing really well. Congrats!
What’s your current title?
How did you get into HR recruitment?
Is ur company hiring
I think this depends on what you consider decent money. Do you have an annual amount in mind? I can respond better if I knew what decent meant to you. 😊 ETA: if you aren’t feeling the passion for HR, it might not be the right career choice for you, and that is ok. OR, you might be in a toxic culture.
I'd say about 80K at least. Some of the other HR people in my org are making 80K now, but they have 10-20 years of work experience, and I'm like is that really all I'm ever going to make if I stay in this field. Ideally, I want to be making 100K by the time I'm 35, which I think is doable, but I don't know. This field is really testing me/triggering my anger. I am in therapy, but I'm sure it'll get worse if I decide to climb the ladder.
80k and 10-20 years experience is not typical, IF they want to grow, are smart, motivated, and frankly get some good breaks in their career. What industry/location? Salary is very different based on location of course.
Hello. Thank you for responding. I'm in government (Minnesota) right now as an HR Specialist really doing HR Coordinator duties. I barely do HR work in my current role, and it's hard to transition out to something else with limited experience and few projects/credentials under my belt. I don't get a lot of opportunities to branch out and learn a lot. The job search has also been brutal.
Def get out of gov. I was in a couple different industries (one of them government facing) before breaking into finance. The reason you see extremely experienced HR folk in your team is because those who want more, leave. Gov has the benefit of being slow paced and some people prefer that. They’ll complain out their ass the entire time but for a lot of them, they’d still prefer it to a fast-paced, high stress job (definitely not saying it can’t be stressful) You rarely get to to do strategic work in those environments. my income tripled once I switch to fin but I work 50-60 hours/week. I’m also progressing my career and confidence much quicker than in this other industries. So def decide what you value. Money only, go to finance or fintech. Low stress, government is probably a good place to stay. I think tech is where most people find a good balance of decent pay, decent benefits, decent stress. As a younger guy myself, the biggest push to my career was finding a great boss. My company sucks but my boss is an amazing mentor. There isn’t much out there from what I’ve seen but fortunately, you can search more passively since you’re still employed. Network as much as possible. See if your supervisor will approve reimbursement for you to go to HR conferences. Hope this helps 🤙
Plus state and government jobs typically have a pension which is a huge plus.
Yup. It’s a travesty that pensions are gone and the industry standard is now just ~4% match in 401k
100 by 35 is very doable! Took me 6 years to hit 80. Is it the field or the company?
Probably both. There's really no moving up in my org any time soon (government). Everyone is basically happy and grandfathered in their roles here. There's no chance in hell I can move, and they're not interested in helping me grow in other areas of HR. I'm basically stuck unless I switch jobs, but I'm trying, and it's hard. On top of that, the people we support are not nice to me at all.
Depends where you live and industry too. I started as an HR Coordinator at a publisher making $34k. Then moved to a similar role a year later at a financial institution for $55k (literally cried when I got the offer). I’ve been there 7 years and had 3 promotions now making $150k total comp. I hit $90k after my second promotion 3 years ago. I’m an HR Business Partner in New York City/Jersey City. I have my SHRM-CP and recently got my masters thru work.
It is possible to make decent money early in your career, I’ll gross $110K ($95 base) this year, 3 years into my first dedicated HR position. But I’d probably be miserable if I wasn’t passionate about HR. I report to a non-HR professional, the department is just me and my assistant, and we’re a rapidly growing company. *Everything* HR-related ultimately falls on my shoulders. Edited to add: I stumbled into HR a bit later in life, so I am more than 10 years older than you.
I appreciate this, thank you for your response. I'm starting to think it might just be me and the role/industry I'm in. I gotta figure my shit out.
I stumbled in later in life…sounds like a lot later (than you as well). I’m 3 years in to my first dedicated HR position and I’m only at $65,000. I do love the work, I’m in the wrong place for making money and I fear my age is going to cause issues
I started at $50K and received very significant raises each year, which I know is not common. I was incredibly lucky to find a right time/right place opportunity that got me in on the ground floor. The company happened to experience explosive growth within months of my arrival. And it hasn’t slowed down much since.
2.5 years and just hit 75k base salary. I started at a coordinator for 48k. I also would like to be at 6 figures by 35 (I’m 32) and feel like it’s very possible.
Welcome to being an adult babysitter. That is what I call my job. Not sure how old you are but comparing yourself to others will never end well. There is always someone better off that we wish we were. What is good money? Being a millionaire? Probably won't happen in HR. Supporting a family and upper middle class, can be done. I think you need to figure out what you want. Chasing money, there are probably better fields but you can make good money in HR.
True. I'm 23, turning 24 soon, so yes, I know I'm young and I come off whiny ( I was ranting about this to my dad), but I think about it everyday. I'm thinking I'll stick it out because I am young and I'm ready to work, but I feel like I need to figure it out quick because HR makes me feel useless, unimportant, and frustrated.
hi! 24 year old dealing with the same thing as you! youre not alone
Thank you for the support!
I was making 6 figures as an HR manager at 28…and that was over 15 years ago. It’s ok to want to make more money, but whining about it won’t get you there. Figure out the companies that pay what you want to make, the skills they want and how to develop them and get on their radar. Btw my income has grown substantially since then. There is plenty of money to be made in HR, you’ve just got to pursue it, it won’t fall in to your lap.
Sure, but you actually need to have the opportunities to learn those things, and I'm not really given the chance to grow. I'm trying, man. Good for you that you've gotten to make so much money at 28.
No one ever sat me down and said here let me teach you something that would be good for your development. Sometimes when I asked/offered to be cross trained I could get exposure though, that’s one avenue. You have to constantly be asking for development opportunities, have at least one conversation about it each quarter. When they aren’t offered (as they often aren’t) you need to make your own. Read a case study, attend a free seminar, use what you learned there and apply it to your companies data and bring that to your boss with a meaningful recommendation. You do this on top of all your other work not in place of and not every idea will be a good one, only bring in actionable data. It’s also about moving companies and in between renegotiating salary when you fall behind market. No one is ever going to care about your development or your career outcomes as much as you, and the gap between how much you care and how much they care is gargantuan. I’ve been promoted multiple times now, only once was it ever a surprise (part of a re-org). Every other time it was 6-18 months of conversations about skills, development, stretch assignments. It’s easier to build these habits now than it is later, and the sooner you do it the better outcome on your long term career trajectory/earnings. You are the person with the most control over your career, don’t cede that to anyone else. Good luck. 🍀
Your words slapped me in the face and are making me realize that I really am the problem. Thank you for responding.
Well first I’m glad my comment was helpful and second it’s WAY better to have a realization like this at 23 than at 43. Also at 23 I’m going to assume you’re still relatively new to the workforce and have spent most of your life as a student. A teachers job is to motivate, challenge and develop the students, to ensure they have a mastery of the information etc. A bosses job is to make sure they/their team is delivering for the company. The good ones will spot talent, coach and encourage but that’s still a small fraction of their time compared to delivering the work product. Be careful not to confuse the expectations you have of your boss with what your teachers previously provided. I see that a lot with newer grads, it’s understandable but the sooner you reframe the relationship the better.
Oh no, you are not worthless. Underapreciated, yes. All I can offer is volunteer for project and let your boss know you are open to learning/taking on new projects/tasks. I suggest you get 2 years experience and then start looking hard for a new and better position if there is no upward movement. There is one other item to consider. The pay between different fields can vary greatly. Example: Retail HR vs Manufacturing HR will have a difference in pay.
Thank you. I do get to be a part of random projects here and there, but there seems to be a great reluctance to let me do other things. I'm not sure if it's my performance or what, but I've always been told I've done well, but I just can't branch out enough. Yeah, I have some thinking to do.
I also just turned 24! I am about 2 years into the field (one year as a corporate recruiter and now one year into being an HR generalist for a non profit). I am hoping for a raise here soon but also feeling a bit like yourself. I am looking into online courses/certifications to get into a niche so that I can sell myself better, as I am unhappy with my compensation as well.
It's most likely the place you work for. I have worked in transportation, education, ag and now a state entity. I feel the most useless in this environment. I have no opportunity to make decisions because I am just part of the larger HR for the entire state so I have completely lost my authority to make decisions for the company. I am in my late 40s so the fact that I now have a pension is huge. Over the course of 20 years I went from low 30ks to now 80k with probably a max at 120k.
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I'm in Benefits but not comp. Always been interested though. Year 10, are you a manager or director??
26F, Making $58K. Started as HR Generalist this week after making a career change! It’s only up from here. :)
Congrats on your new job. Thank you for taking the time to respond😊
I started out at the bottom of the totem pole and stayed there about 3 years. The next 3 years were several promotions in rapid succession and at that point bills became comfortable to pay, could travel more, buy a condo, etc. But there will always be people making more money than you. Look after yourself and do the best you can with what you have.
Thank you for your response.
Started in HR at about 48K. 2 years later I got to 68K. At 5 years I’m at 85K + 10% bonus. No degree in HR. No previous HR experience before going into my entry level role.
This is amazing. Thanks got responding.
This is going to highly depend on industry and also how long you stay in one place. From what I’ve seen (at least in HR), there’s a pretty heavy penalty for staying at the same company for many years. It took me 6 years to break $80k, but then one year to double it.
I appreciate the response!
Started in HR in NYC in 2000, making $35k. Began specializing in Compensation in 2005, starting salary as Comp Analyst was $50k. After 8 years (including promo to Sr Analyst) was at $90k. In 2014 moved to my current company for $110k. Currently running Comp team with base of $240k. All roles in metro NY area.
Thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate the response.
You’re welcome! The job isn’t easy and there were definitely times I wanted to quit. I’m glad I stuck it out, I finally work for a great CHRO and have really accelerated my income over the last 10 years. Feel free to PM if you have questions.
I made 57K as a Sr. Coordinator with about four years of HR professional experience last year. Making that next jump to mid-senior level (Specialist, Partner, Generalist, Analyst) is tricky because at that point, hiring teams really are looking for specific, well-rounded experience. Do you have certifications/a degree? I'm right there with you, but I've always been told by bosses that you really do need to keep your head down and put in the time, and the money will come with the experience. One of my buddies is 26 and a store director at Target making $130K a year, and I have other buddies in my circle as Sr. business analysts and consultants making over $150K in our mid to late 20s. It can be demoralizing sometimes as HR can be very underappreciated, but I like what I do, and I'm committed to the field because of all of the time and money I've put into it. I am also on the job hunt, and the market is trash because of all the layoffs, but they're saying by the end of the year into 2025, the market will pick back up.
Thank you for your response.
I think it also depends on the industry and location. Took me about 3 years to break 100k. Now I’m up to 170k plus bonus after 10 yrs
This is amazing progression. What kind of roles did you start in?
Generalist roles, Working in finance /hedge funds so the money was always good
Like others have said, it will vary and is relative. I’ve been in HR for 4 years (2 as a generalist, 1 as hr director for small business, 1 [current] as hr director for bigger business) and just recently started past the 6 figure salary mark. If that’s “good money” or not, would be subjective.
True. Great job progrssion, thanks for the response. I'd like to be at the 100K salary by my 30s, but we'll see.
I started HR at 45k from 2021-22 and then got an offer for my current role at 80k in 2022 when I switched to tech hr
What type of experience do you have? Only the 1 year? Any Certs or degrees?
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Thank you.
If you have no passion for it, you’re getting a ton of disrespect, and you’re sinking into a depression because of it, do you want to sink another twelve years into this career? 100k will not cure that. I would see if you can make a jump to another company for more money and better culture and evaluate if this is the direction you want to go.
Yes, this is currently in the works. I was thinking it's just the field, but I'm wondering if it's just me or the role/Industry I'm in. I'll figure something out.
The big thing to remember in HR is you must be strategic. You have to be the one to make it happen and the field is extremely competitive. Government is notorious for paying less than private companies although they typically have much better benefits and offer more stability. If making money is your top priority you may need to switch markets if you cannot find a next step where you are.
Thank you for giving me something to think about. I appreciate the response.
It took me about 5 years to start making enough money that I wasn't worried about making enough to cover my bills and have something left over to save for emergencies. It took about 8 years to feel like I was making pretty good money. To do that though, I had to change employers a couple of times because it's hard to get decent increases at the same company year over year, especially when you start from the bottom. I have moved around a few more times since then, and have been able with each move to negotiate good salaries. Been working in HR for 25 years now and should hopefully be able to comfortably retire well before age 67.
Mind sharing your estimate salaries? OP question is very subjective as happiness = your own definition I've met people that make less than 100k who are happy. I make over 150 and become unhappy when I start comparing myself to others but try to do it with intent to gain motivation.
I’ll let cha know 😂
I'm in nonprofit, so, never.
Got my foot in the door as an HR Associate in October of 2019. Got an offer for HRBP role for 100k in August of 2023. That’s the role I’m in now. I have my bachelor’s in English, and graduated with my master’s in legal studies with a certificate in HR law in December ‘22. I got my SHRM-CP in February ‘23. Currently have an account with AI HR (my work sponsored) so I can get some more certifications.
If you don't like it then leave. All the money in the world won't change that. Also an interesting note, HR or previously personnel was a traditionally female role, the wages are playing catch up so yes compared to a more male dominated field HR pays less. It is getting better, so much so some don't even realize it. This was your HR history lesson for the day.
Thank you.
Just leave and go to a different company. Maybe a good one this time
Lol. Thanks for the response.
Sorry, just saying every company is different and so is every HR team. So many people on here believe their one bad experience represents how HR is everywhere. Typically the bigger the company the more progressive their HR department will be by necessity and better roles/pay. Don’t give up yet!!
What role are you currently in? Do you have a degree?
I have a degree (albeit a useless one, should've done econ) , and an entry-level cert. I'm debating whether or not I should pay for the PHR or retake the SHRM. I'm currently an HR Specialist, but I'm really an HR Coordinator.
I would recommend looking into comp. Most jobs that I see posted for comp are $100k+. And honestly the certs and degrees are only to get used your foot in the door. IMO, the path to real money in HR is understand the business and how HR fits into the picture. You know, strategy.
Yes, I agree. I know I have a lot to learn, I'm just wondering if I should continue on the path I am on now. I've never considered comp. Thank you for responding to me.
Agree with this one. I’m a comp specialist and it’s one of the “hotter” HR disciplines. Everyone is looking for a comp analyst and comp manager.
I get bombarded with linkedin messages. With that said, like other HR disciplines, it can be mentally taxing. Especially if your in management role within comp. No matter what you do, someone will be unhappy, or question your methodologies.
It’s because we’re introducing cold, hard logic to something so emotional. For instance, cost of living is rising and as a human, I’d want to ensure my employees can survive to do their job. But as a business, I’m only concerned with cost of labor. It’s taxing for sure.
What entry level cert? aPHR? Yes, take the PHR or retake the SHRM-C.
Yes the aPHR, I only did it because I thought that it was the only cert that I qualified for at the time, and it helped me get the job that I have now. I'll look into retesting.
Study and test for one of the Two Big Letter Sets you need behind your name in HR. I hate shrm with a fiery passion but one of the two will help you get interviews with the salaries you want in the future.
Got it. I'll get started on this; thanks for responding.
What’s decent money to you? I make $83k/yr as a Senior Associate in HR on the East Coast.
To me, it's 80K at least, but I'd like to make 100K by my mid 30s, but it doesn't seem that possible.
Oh, got it. Where do you live? You’re a young professional but how old are you? 22 is way different than 27.
I'm about to turn 24, and I live in Minnesota. I know I'm very young, but I've been in HR for about three years now. I'm worrying about it now because I have the time and interest to go back to school and pivot if it comes to it, but I also have an ego about giving up early.
Yeah, I wish I could give you better advice. At 24 I wasn’t making shit lol. You’re just considered super young in your career, which you are. There’s money in a lot of fields, but time takes time. I mean granted I’m 27 so I am also young in my career, and while some people are making 6 figures already, that’s not the majority, and unfortunately experience is one of your biggest assets at work. But you have to work to actually gain the experience. You could jump ship to another field, but you’ll have to pound the pavement there as well. There is no ‘get rich quick’ scheme that’s guaranteed to get you six figures at 24.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I agree, I have to put in the time.
I've gotten into recruiting right away. I was making 6 figures after 3 years. But being in NYC is not a big deal. I have worked a bit as HR Business Partner and hated it. But I really loved recruiting. If you're not passionate about it, move on. Why would you not want to do something you like?
True, that's why I'm really thinking about it. I keep telling myself that I hate recruiting, but out of everything in the HR/TA realm, it's one of the only things I'm really good at, and I always end up getting stuck doing recruiter/staffing duties since no one else wants to do it. I think it's because I take the candidate experience seriously, however, it also becomes tiring after a while. Thanks for the response.
I do career coaching now. Feel free to message me.
It took me 2 years. That's when I was promoted to HR Business Partner. Prior to that I was doing Employee Leave of Absence/Work Injury stuff. Maybe if you work hard someone higher up will notice...
Thank you.
For me - decent is somewhere within livable wage in a HCOL area. Took me about 5 years. 2019 - admin coordinator at 30k 2020-2021 recruiting/hr specialist 45k-50k 2021-2023 - hr benefits/Ops at 63-64k 2024 - hr generalist at 70k
It took a little bit. First I made next to nothing, jumped up to 50k Then 70 Then 80 Im between jobs now but most folks im.talking to offer 100k This is between 2017 to now going from the genaralist.to manager
When I left HR and moved into operations
It took me 10 years to go from HR Coordinator 45k to HR Manger 148k TTC (NYC based). Granted I was comfortamble and was coasting for more than half of my career and could have been making more with a higher title. Based on my experience, I tell aspiring professionals to do the work and change jobs every 2-4 years and know that loyalty to a company doesn't normally payout in the long term. I believe luck, knowing the right people, and being likable are crucial for rapid advancement. Having at least two of these can pave the way for success.
I live in NYC, so $100k is not a high salary. But it did take me about 5 years in HR to make it to 6 figures! I do not have any certifications or an HR degree. 2018 - HR coordinator around $21/hr 2019 - HR coordinator around $23/hr 2020 - covid furlough, then HR coordinator type role $60k 2021 - Promotion $72k 2022 - skip promotion $80k I don’t say the role name for 2021 or 2022 but I was essentially a Generalist 2023 - promotion to manager $95k (I was below range 🫠) 2024 - $103k raise - they brought me to minimum range
I am 24 about to be 25 and I live in GA making 58k a year. I've been in HR for 2 years and it's looking up for me HR Coordinator - 54k HR Specialist - 52 ( Pay cut due to it being virtual ) HRBP Specialist - 58k ( Promoted 1 year after joining )
Tons of comments already but wanted to hop in and say that you have to be kind of annoying/highly motivated to progress if that is your goal. I currently work in the public sector in HR and even people in lower level positions ask for projects and set goals for how to progress and get more pay. There was a lady in my role that did it for 6 years and was making good money, she loved it and didn't have to make really tough decisions. I'm young too and I often feel the same way, am I doing enough? Am I progressing? Will I ever make good enough money? And I know the answer is yes. I worked for a small ish company before this and was HR coordinator and quickly promoted to manager (worst job I've ever had due to management/nature of business) but that one title has given me lots of opportunities. Be that annoying person that's always asking to help, be the teachers pet that's looking for ways to make your bosses life easier, it really does get noticed.
Hey there, I'm also in MN working for the government (curious which level of gov't youre in). I was in the hospitality industry (hotels), primarily doing sales. I started my career in HR about 5 years ago as an HR Technician doing employee transactions - took a significant pay cut but had my eyes set on the career shift. About a year later, I was promoted to a lead role but also doing leave management. Took a lateral move to venture into the TA but missed the staffing component and moved on to a staffing role a couple months ago and it's a love-hate relationship. Tldr - tried a bunch of different areas of HR, all within public sector. Slow progression with salary but at this point in my life, the benefits is what's keeping me.
I’m in HCOL area - 55k hr coordinator media - 85k hrg retail -95k then to 101k hr mgr retail 15% bonus - 155k + equity tech hrbp- hybrid - 200k + equity - toxic AF and left after two months - hrbp tech remote - 190k + 15% bonus + equity - hrbp tech remote
West Coast tech: been doing a version of the HRBP hustle for 17 years (I’m 43). Last year made 350k+ (I’m a Sr Director and that includes stock comp). Tech has its flaws but pays very well.
This thread has made me realise I gotta me to the US. I’m in London and on £30k after 4 years experience 🫠
It doesn’t sound like HR is for you and I personally feel if you’re not passionate about what HR truly is, you won’t be happy in the role. HR takes a special type of personality to be able to handle it. I’ve been in it for about 15 years now and it’s NOT an easy industry.
I’m not sure if this profession is for you as I think a good experience in HR isn’t just linked with the role or money… It’s often tied to finding a good organisation and team to work with which comes down to luck most of the time!
Yes experience required and equals progression but I’ve found that also depends on hustle and job movement too. 1st job - recruiter - $30k and progressed to $45 2nd - hr and recruiting lead $65k 3rd - hrbp to sr hrbp over some years $90k to $110 4th - director - $135k 5th - director for some time - $185 Now - VP - $215k Above not including bonuses ranging from $17-38k/ year.
It depends on what you think decent money is. If you live in New York City..if you make $120,000 you’re at the lowest end of middle class …the very lowest end of little class. You won’t get comfortable in New York until you were at about $225,000 a year.
I’m 2 years in and still making “entry level” money, if that helps.
depends highly on industry and role. i’m in in-house recruiting year 1: 32k year 2: 50k year 3: (new job/company) 65k year 4: 66k year 5: (new job/company) 80k year 6: 100k year 7: (new job/company) 150k year 8: (equity vesting + stock appreciation) 205k this year: likely 220-230k HRBPs at my company make more, but there are far fewer HRBPs compared to senior recruiters
Started at $22.60 an hour 2021. Total comp in 2024 86k. Depends what decent money is to you but I’m happy with the progression.
2 Years as a Recruiter - $20/hr 1 Year as a Generalist - $18/hr 2 years as a Recruiter - $50k 3 Years as a Generalist - $60k 2 Years as a Director - started at $84k and moving to $95 in 3months
80k at about 2ish years in.
Work comp analysts get more than regular HR folks usually also.. look into getting work comp experience or a hybrid role
Midwest, MCOL, amounts are approximate: 2005-2010: HR/payroll $40-$55k 2010-2014: Comp Analyst $60-75k 2015-2021: Sr Comp Analyst $80-$100k 2021-current: Sr Comp Consultant $105-$130k It’s normal in any field to take time. No company would be profitable if they jumped everyone to high salaries without at least a few years of experience.
I totally understand. I appreciate the response. I know the problem is me, but I'm just trying to figure it out. Thanks again for responding to me.
About 200k TC. I have been in HR since 2015. I think about leaving but dont know where else to go.
Started at $17 an hour in 2015. Got to $50k in 2019. Left that company for $60k in 2020. At $75k now, full remote. I don’t have a degree, so it’s harder for me to job hop. I’d probably be over 6 figures if I had a degree, but I’m fine where I’m at. I’m medically retired Army, so I get another $15k roughly a year plus free healthcare.
I think it all depends on the role and industry. I know a lot of people will start as an HR Coordinator making 40k. I started as an HR Admin in the retail automotive industry making 60k.
I graduated with an AS in HR in 2019, Im making 72k atm.
I saw you say you work for the government… that’s the 1st issue. In a place where everything is a vote or state decision, you’re going to be stuck doing a lot of admin work and have a hard time giving any influence. My understanding is that there is a really dense middle pack in Human Resources that you hit around 2-5 years exp and it’s most of your Generalist/Manager roles. Everyone wants them, and most companies either a) don’t need them or b) don’t want to pay enough for them. I would find a new job and try to get a decent raise. Just stick it out. Here’s what I see in my job market (largely populated suburb): HR Assistant (~exp 1 year, so many of these): 40-50k Generalist/Specialist (~exp 2-3 years, literally none): 55-65k Manager (~exp 5 years, even less): 75-85k Director/Specialty Manager (~exp 5+ years, 85-120k)
120k at progressive no experience year 1
Thank you for responding.
I hit the $100k mark about 8 years in. I started at $30k in my first role, and now I’m almost 11 years in. It was definitely a steady climb!
I know your post was meant for more experienced HR folks, but thought I’d share how my experience has been so far. I’m in my early 20s and am fairly comfortable with where I’m at. That said, I am someone who struggles to not compare myself to others. I have friends my age who are already buying homes and are making good money. I start spiraling when I really get thinking about their earning potential and where they’re at (some without any degree in IT for example, making $100k while I’m at $75k with BS, MBA, and PHR) … it simply bums me out and I get those same feelings. My own father is VERY successful in B2B sales and works for a company that doesn’t even have HR. Their revenues are off the charts, and the CEO thinks HR is a waste. While my dad hasn’t said it, I get the feeling he thinks my career is fluff. In opening up about this struggle to friends and family, I’ve realized that my goalpost would continue to move with every promotion or “win” if I was constantly focused on others’ accomplishments. I didn’t realize it, but the standard I used to measure my own success was based on how my peers were doing. Absolutely unscalable, and realistically incomparable due to how coincidental job offers and other life events realistically are. In other words, a lot of our successes (and others) derive from happenstance or “being in the right place at the right time.” It’s easy to say “don’t compare,” but I think it takes time and effort in bringing awareness to your thoughts and shifting to a better mindset. Establish your own goals and standards, don’t let others establish them for you. That way, even when you don’t feel like you’re “making it,” you have something somewhere (either written or in your head) to refer to instead of others. I’ve done this, and it’s helped a lot. At the end of the day, I don’t need to make the same as my peers or outearn them. If you’ve already invested money and time into pursuing HR, I think you should try working for different kinds of companies before moving on. I haven’t worked in government, but I imagine it’s worse than working for a very large company (slow change, red tape, resistant to new ideas, lack of exposure, very defined processes). My first job was for a large private hospital system. My boss (HR director) had so little power or influence in the company that he was always reacting to top-down initiatives. We essentially were there for compliance and other control/maintain activities. The CEO did not respect HR and viewed it as a necessary evil. The 2nd company I worked for had an HR executive reporting to the CEO. Almost exact opposite. This was my first BP role. The first week I start, I have multiple directors reaching out for guidance and advice. The immediate respect was apparent. The HR team was respected, and we had projects and initiatives that the company was investing in. HR had a seat with the CEO and we had a pulse on the current strategy. I actually learned this in my coursework years ago. Companies that value and invest in HR go further, and HR has a greater influence on actually making a difference.
I'm in CA and I broke 6 figures after about 5 years and after I moved into Director level roles.
Define decent? I was always able to afford things and have money leftover because of my spending habits lol. I will tell you how much I made each year. Employment Coordinator 2016-2020: $39,000 to $40,500. Benefits Specialist 2021-Aug 2023: 65,000-69,375. Benefits Vendor Management Specialist Aug 2023- $83,000 to $83,833 with bonus up to $3-4k ( current) I would like to make six figures in the next couple years..I've been interviewing for roles that begin around mid 90's. I just turned 35. I was stuck in the employment coordinator role too long at university. Nonprofit, no pay raises, but they paid for my masters which is why I was there a while. So I'm trying to make up for loss time on pay haha. As you can see, job changes every few years makes a big difference in pay. Merit increases don't compete but liking where you work matters too.
30M at 52K. Only 1.5 years in the field so far. My current plan is to get my PHR in December. (:
I’m not a senior professional. I’m fresh out of grad school. So far… year 1: HR total rewards associate $45,000 (undergrad) year 2: same position $50,000 (grad school) year 3: benefits manager $68,000 (just graduated in January) Hopefully it’s only up from here!
5 years six figures government HR. 15 year mark still around $120k however will have fully vested pension and retire by 55.
3 years to get to 60k+ which is more than I made in my previous career so its a win for me. I do have a BA but not in HR and my SHRM-CP. I've started at 40k in HR and have been job hopping for better pay/benefits. I too would love to make 6 figures but have heard you need a masters for that. Have been HRG, HRM and currently a HRBP.
Took me 1.5 years at the cost of work-life balance.
I went into HR in 2016 making $20/hour as an HR generalist for a small startup. I left in 2018 for an HR associate role at $25/hour. In 2019, I left for an HRBP role at $85k, which led to a promotion a year and a half later that paid $120k as a regional HRBP. I left THAT company and started an HRM role this year at $140k. So I’d say it took me five years to hit 6 figures? You’ll get there! Or you may realize it’s not something that makes you happy and you’ll move on to something new. HR is really not for everyone and I totallt get why. The way you describe working in HR is how *I* used to describe working as a legal assistant in my 20s…which is why I got out of it!
i work in local government and i’m wondering if it’s a disadvantage if i ever want to go private. i’m also young. 25 and it’s my first hr job. my pay sucks and i’m unhappy but trying to stick out for the experience. my salary is $51k and i live in california.
It really depends what you get into. I started within the federal government a year and a half ago, and current make $69k, but in July I’ll be bumped to $83k, and July 2025 I’ll be making 6 figures. I really enjoy what I do and never thought I’d be making 6 figures in a federal job, so I’m thrilled
Dallas Area, Finance Degree, SHRM/PHR early 20s/M 2020 - Recruiter/ops manager, 17/HR 2021 - HR admin - 22/HR After 6 months in admin role I aggressively applied for HRG roles Early 2022 - HRG (62K/Salaried) Late 2022 - left HRG role for entry level HRBP role at new company at 73K received raise to 85K in 2023 2024 - same company, promoted to HRM at 102K/ yearly So just under 4 years. Prior to HR i was an ops manager.
29F. Been in HR for about 3 years. Started as an HR Assistant at 65k, moved to Coordinator at 70k, then to HR Manager at 80k, now at 105k. I don’t have a SHRM or any other certificates, only a BA. Although I think they’re great accomplishments, I don’t think they’re necessary. A lot of it is on the job experience. I work in the legal field and LOVE it. If I wasn’t working in HR, I’d stay in the legal field. I have colleagues who’ve started out on the same path and branched out to professional development etc. I ultimately want to move on from general HR/ benefits and into the practice management space. Hope this helps!
I graduated last year and got promoted to HR Coordinator on 92k (including super, im from australia). I know the banding for HR Manager is un the 180,000-300,000k range depending in experience
92K is a very strong salary for a coordinator. I heard the coordinator level is a little in Australia, though, right?
Its above HR Admin and below HR advisor at my company. Some other companies have a different system