The 10th to 90th percentile range for HR managers nationally runs from $53,000 to $128,000. Most mid-market offers will fall between the 25th and 75th percentile, which is $71,000 to $95,000. Use that middle band as your starting point and adjust based on the candidate's experience and your location.
HR manager salary in the US (2026)
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HR manager salary in the US (2026)
The average HR manager salary in the US is $164,230. The median salary of $88,200 is the more reliable anchor for most hiring decisions, because it reflects what the typical HR manager earns rather than being pulled upward by high earners at the top of the market. The wide gap between the median and average tells you that senior and specialized HR managers command significantly higher pay, so your offer will need to reflect the level of experience and scope you are hiring for.
HR manager salary in the US (2026)
Metric | Value |
Average annual salary | $164,230 |
Median annual salary | $88,200 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 220,660 employed HR managers across the US.
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HR manager salary percentiles
Percentile | Annual salary |
10th percentile | $53,000 |
25th percentile | $71,000 |
75th percentile | $95,000 |
90th percentile | $128,000 |
For most HR manager hires, setting your offer between $71,000 and $95,000 will cover the middle of the market nationally. The average of $164,230 runs well above the 90th percentile of $128,000, which means a small number of very high earners are pulling the mean up sharply — anchor your offer to the median and percentile range rather than the average to avoid overpaying for mid-level roles.
How HR manager salaries compare across states
State | Average annual salary | Median annual salary |
New York | $197,390 | $105,380 |
Massachusetts | $195,110 | $99,990 |
California | $191,920 | $96,430 |
Washington | $178,830 | $108,830 |
Colorado | $178,670 | $103,580 |
Virginia | $175,780 | $105,130 |
Georgia | $167,270 | $89,790 |
Illinois | $162,450 | $90,820 |
Texas | $151,070 | $83,200 |
Florida | $150,370 | $79,420 |
If you are hiring an HR manager remotely or across multiple locations, budget for meaningful pay differences depending on where your candidate is based. Median salaries range from $79,420 in Florida to $108,830 in Washington, and states like New York and Massachusetts carry median figures above $99,000. Building location-based pay bands will help you stay competitive without overpaying in lower-cost markets.
Frequently asked questions about HR manager salary in the US
What is the salary range for an HR manager in the US?
What is the average HR manager salary in the US?
The average HR manager salary in the US is $164,230, but the median of $88,200 is the more useful figure for setting offers. The average sits well above the 90th percentile of $128,000, which means a small group of very high earners is pulling the mean up. For most hiring decisions, the median is the better anchor.
What do the top-earning HR managers make nationally?
The 90th percentile for HR managers nationally is $128,000. The average of $164,230 exceeds that figure, which tells you that the very top of the market reaches well beyond $128,000. If you are competing for senior HR manager talent at that level, expect candidates to have offers that push past the 90th percentile threshold.
Which states pay the most for HR managers?
New York, Massachusetts, and California pay the most for HR managers, with median salaries of $105,380, $99,990, and $96,430 respectively. Washington stands out with the highest median of any state in this comparison at $108,830. If you are hiring in any of these states, budget above the national median of $88,200 to remain competitive.
More salary data
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, for Human Resources Managers (SOC 11-3121).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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