Where Does HR Receive the Highest Salary?

In today's dynamic HR job market, our comprehensive HR Salary Comparison and state-wide analysis offer valuable insights for HR professionals considering career growth opportunities and strategic HR planning. If you are considering a new job and if relocation is an option, you can now review the average HR salary of different regions.

Our state-wide analysis for HR compensation provides a clear picture of HR salary trends across the United States. For business owners, this is a valuable resource for understanding the HR job market analysis and planning HR career path development accordingly.

Utilize our interactive map to visually explore HR salary data across the United States, aiding in strategic decisions for HR services placement and understanding regional HR career growth opportunities and also reveal the highest and lowest paying states for HR roles in the United States. .

 Below, we reveal the highest and lowest paying states for HR roles in the United States.

Highest HR Salaries by State 

Across Namely's database of over 1,000 companies, the average HR salary is $94,949. While Connecticut is the highest paying state in the US, California, New York, and Massachusetts also came out above the fold. Considering that these jurisdictions have some of the most intricate employment legislation in the country, this is not entirely surprising. The $15 minimum wage in California to workplace lactation room requirements in NYC, HR professionals in these states are faced with a full plate of compliance hurdles in addition to their daily duties. If you’re up to the challenge, these states offer ample compensation for the job at hand.

U.S. States with the Highest HR Salaries 

1. Connecticut - $127,128
2. Indiana - $117,424
3. California - $111,402
4. New York - $106,032
5. Massachusetts - $102,243

Lowest HR Salaries by State

On the flipside, states with a notably lower cost of living pay their HR employees on the lower end of the curve. However, as the value of HR becomes increasingly recognized, these states will likely follow suit. Until then, it comes as no surprise that these states—among the lowest-paying across industries according to the BLS—trend below average on the salary front.

U.S. States with the Lowest HR Salaries 

1. Arkansas - $48,743
2. South Carolina - $55,070
3. Wisconsin - $60,098
4. Alabama - $60,386
5. Nevada -  $62,112

HR Salaries in Major U.S. Cities

While the geographic factors like cost of living and demand for talent impact HR salaries, some cities have significantly higher U.S. salaries than the rest. Here’s how the major cities stack up: 

Highest Average HR Salaries by City

1. New York, NY - $111,260
2. San Francisco, CA - $104,284
3. Seattle, WA - $83,720
4. Austin, TX - $77,426
5. Atlanta, GA - $71352
6. Los Angeles, CA - $66,059

 
With New York City and San Francisco in the lead, it is clear that these metropolises are putting a high premium on HR talent. While these cities do have a higher cost of living, local HR professionals are at the forefront of managing HR in new industries, like high-growth startups. As these landscapes put an increasing value on HR, these cities may be the perfect spot to launch the next stage of your HR career.

While salary is only one part of the picture, it’s an important factor to keep in mind as you plan for future career development. 

Using this tool will provide an important piece of insight into the current salaries for HR professionals which should help to paint a comprehensive picture for business owners. Understanding these factors is essential for strategic HR planning and recognizing the value of HR professionals in different regions.