What Does A Human Resources Manager Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

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Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Human Resources Managers

Human Resources Managers plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

Salary
$134580
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality


What they do

Human Resources Managers plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

  • Serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts, and helping resolve work-related problems.
  • Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes.
  • Analyze and modify compensation and benefits policies to establish competitive programs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Human Resources Managers serve as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts, and helping resolve work-related problems. They plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate work activities of subordinates and staff relating to employment, compensation, labor relations, and employee relations.

A typical day for a Human Resources Manager will also include:

  • Advise managers on organizational policy matters, such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment, and recommend needed changes.
  • Maintain records and compile statistical reports concerning personnel-related data such as hires, transfers, performance appraisals, and absenteeism rates.
  • Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures.
  • Provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, opportunities for promotion, and employee benefits.
  • Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate the personnel, training, or labor relations activities of an organization.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Human Resources Managers also plan and conduct new employee orientation to foster a positive attitude toward organizational objectives. They may also allocate human resources, ensuring appropriate matches between personnel.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Human Resources Managers perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees, and administering disciplinary procedures. They might also plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate the personnel, training, or labor relations activities of an organization.

In addition, they analyze statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel problems and develop recommendations for improvement of the organization’s personnel policies and practices.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them study legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to assess industry trends.

To some Human Resources Managers, it is also their responsibility to maintain records and compile statistical reports concerning personnel-related data such as hires, transfers, performance appraisals, and absenteeism rates.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Very High

Is this job meaningful

High

75% said they were satisfied with their job and 62% said they found their job meaningful.


VEI Communications

I’m Dan, the HR Director for VEI Communications. Working as an HR Director I work in the telecommunication industry as an HR and my job is about hiring someone who can work based on their qualifications and skills. After selecting them, I will be training the new staff before they go to the office for … Read More


Actualize Consulting

As HR Director, I find my days and tasks filled with variety. In my 15 plus years in HR, I can say that only 2 of those days have been alike. I rely on my professional career in HR to quench my need for development and learning. I thrive on the unknown challenges and the … Read More


This is Pete Sosnowski, VP of People at Zety. HR management is one of the major parts of my position. I do most of the recruitment. My day starts with my fake commute. Leaving the house and coming back home to “go to work” gives me that mental transition that helps in having a clear … Read More


One of the disadvantages of being a human resource manager is that HR people aren’t ever considered “regular” employees in any organization. Be prepared that everyone in the company will halt their conversations when you approach the coffee machine or make “shhh” sounds when they register HR on their radar. On top of that, regular … Read More


The human element is a major factor in organizational survival, especially in today’s environment where everyone provides almost the same products and services. This is because, like machines, businesses will fall apart if there are no qualified and capable employees to use and maintain them. A typical day consists of common tasks and current tasks, … Read More


MitoQ

My Typical Day There’s no “typical” workday for an HR professional, as our job functions are dependent on current employee concerns. Anyone who has worked in HR can tell you that no two days are the same, and adapting well to change is integral to succeeding in the HR field. The one constant is interacting … Read More


Pros

Suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.

Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

One of the highest-paid careers in the world.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).

How much do they make

Average salary

$134580 per year

Average hourly wage

$65 per hour

Entry-level Human Resources Managers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $71,180 to $91,730 per year or $34 to $44 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $208,000+ $100+
Senior (Top 25%) $162,720 $78
Median $121,220 $58
Junior (Bottom 25%) $91,730 $44
No experience (Bottom 10%) $71,180 $34

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Human Resources Managers based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities $184440 $88.67
Scientific Research and Development Services $183030 $87.99
Other Information Services $181000 $87.02
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank $180180 $86.62
Cable and Other Subscription Programming $176290 $84.75
Motion Picture and Video Industries $174030 $83.67
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing $172890 $83.12
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services $164350 $79.01
Legal Services $162200 $77.98
Software Publishers $160750 $77.29

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Human Resources Managers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Human Resources Managers including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Management of Companies and Enterprises 22690 $148140 $71.22
Local Government 8540 $111570 $53.64
Computer Systems Design and Related Services 6850 $156860 $75.42
Employment Services 6510 $130590 $62.78
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services 6470 $144950 $69.69
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 4590 $132340 $63.63
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 4270 $125150 $60.17
Elementary and Secondary Schools 3940 $120400 $57.88
State Government 3330 $94230 $45.30
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities 3250 $140440 $67.52

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
8%

More than 40 hours
92%

Working schedule

83%

17%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
0%

Every day
100%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
0%

Every day
100%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
4%

Every day
96%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
0%

Once a year
29%

Once a month
54%

Once a week
17%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
4%

Slightly competitive
4%

Moderately competitive
67%

Highly competitive
17%

Extremely competitive
8%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
4%

Once a year or more
4%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
13%

Every day
79%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
38%

Once a year or more
50%

Once a month or more
8%

Once a week or more
4%

Every day
0%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
71%

Once a year or more
29%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
67%

Once a year or more
33%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Hard
You will need a considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require a Bachelor’s degree and several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Similar careers include Database Administrators, Chemists, Art Directors, and Accountants.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
0%

Some College Courses
4%

Associate’s Degree or similar
0%

Bachelor’s Degree
74%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
9%

Master’s Degree
9%

Post-Master’s Certificate
4%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration

A program that generally prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labor relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources law and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.

Labor and Industrial Relations

A program that focuses on employee-management interactions and the management of issues and disputes regarding working conditions and worker benefit packages, and that may prepare individuals to function as labor or personnel relations specialists. Includes instruction in labor history, policies and strategies of the labor movement, union organization, labor-management negotiation, labor law and contract interpretation, labor economics, welfare and benefit packages, grievance procedures, and labor policy studies.

Organizational Behavior Studies

A program that focuses on the scientific study of the behavior and motivations of individuals functioning in organized groups, and its application to business and industrial settings. Includes instruction in organization theory, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, sociology of organizations, reinforcement and incentive theory, employee relations strategies, organizational power and influence, organization stratification and hierarchy, leadership styles, and applications of operations research and other methodologies to organizational analysis.


Labor Studies

A program that focuses on the study of various aspects of work, labor organization and policy, and labor movements from the perspective of the social sciences and history. Includes instruction in labor history; political and ideological issues; worker movements and social organizations; civil rights; labor law and policy studies; labor economics; international and comparative labor studies; and applications to specific industries, groups, locations, and time periods.

Executive/Career Coaching

A program of study that focuses on assisting individuals achieve career goals or assisting business leaders achieve organizational change. Includes instruction in executive coaching, group dynamics, leadership, management, organizational behavior, organizational communication, and team building.

Organizational Leadership

A program that focuses on leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting. Includes instruction in organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and mediation, communication and other management skills.


Business Administration and Management

A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

A program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and group behavior in institutional settings, applications to related problems of organization and industry, and that may prepare individuals to apply such principles in industrial and organizational settings. Includes instruction in group behavior theory, organizational theory, reward/punishment structures, human-machine and human-computer interactions, motivation dynamics, human stress studies, environmental and organizational influences on behavior, alienation and satisfaction, and job testing and assessment.

Organizational Communication

A program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. Includes instruction in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values; power and politics within organizations; human interaction with computer technology; and how communications socializes and supports employees and team members.


Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
0%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
0%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
0%

1 to 2 years
4%

2 to 4 years
13%

4 to 6 years
54%

6 to 8 years
13%

8 to 10 years
17%

Over 10 years
0%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
33%

1 month
17%

1 to 3 months
8%

3 to 6 months
8%

6 months to 1 year
21%

1 to 2 years
8%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
4%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Leader

People with this personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.

The Builder
19%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
33%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
33%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
81%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
100%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
71%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk-taking and often deal with business.

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
76%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
76%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
81%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
86%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
62%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
71%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


Don’t know which career to pursue?

Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.

Take The Career Quiz

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