Human resource managers and directors Salary
Median salary £54,474 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £54,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For human resource managers and directors, £57,529 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +47% versus the national average. Experienced human resource managers and directors (top 25%) earn over £75,459.
About this role
Human resource managers and directors lead people strategy within organisations, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, compensation, training and organisational development. They ensure compliance with employment law and drive initiatives to attract, retain and develop talent.
Key responsibilities
- Developing and implementing HR strategy aligned with business goals
- Overseeing recruitment, onboarding and talent management
- Managing employee relations, disciplinary and grievance processes
- Ensuring compliance with employment legislation
- Leading compensation, benefits and reward strategies
Qualifications and entry routes
Typically requires CIPD qualification (Level 7 for director-level) and extensive HR experience. A degree in HR management, business or psychology is common.
Career outlook
Growing demand driven by evolving employment legislation, hybrid working models and increased focus on employee wellbeing and DEI.
Key skills
Common industries
- All sectors
- Professional services
- Public sector
- Large corporates
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£29,324
0-2 years
Mid Level
£40,108
3-7 years
Senior
£75,459
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +157% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 18.6%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£3,055
Human resource managers and directors salary: common questions
How much do human resource managers and directors earn in the UK?
Is £57,529 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for human resource managers and directors?
Have human resource managers and directors salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for human resource managers and directors?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).