Human Resources Management Careers

Human Resources Management — Career Paths

Employers seek graduates of a human resources or labor relations-related bachelor degree program when filling entry-level human resources positions. Depending on the organization the position will serve, employers may prefer applicants with a particular type of experience background, such as manufacturing, technology, or legal, to match with the company’s industry; this experience translates into a better understanding of the concerns of the employee groups who work at the organization.

Typical duties for entry-level personnel will vary depending on the specialty area, but they typically include administrative duties such as data-entry, phone reception and researching data; these duties will help the new HR professional learn about the organization and profession. Larger employers often have an on-the-job training program that progressively introduces the new hire to the different areas and tasks within the human resources department(s), allowing them to work with each for several months before placing them in a specific area the best suits their skills, interests, and the organization’s needs.

Below is a breakdown of the number of human resources professionals in each occupational specialty:

Training and development specialists..............................................216,600

Employment, recruitment and placement specialists.........................207,900

Human resources managers, all other.....................................................63,100

Compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists..........................121,900

Human resources, training, and labor relations specialists, all other....224,600

Source: U.S. Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics

Human Resources Management — Career Outlook

As the number of businesses increases, employment in human resources-related careers is expected to grow at the rate of 22% between 2008 and 2018—faster than the average for all occupations. Many of these new positions will be created by employers as a measure to ensure all occupational safety, equal opportunity, family leave and other regulations/guidelines are met. Other human resources professionals will be employed to create enticing benefits packages that will help a company offset the rising cost of health care benefits for its employees with other perks.

Because this function is becoming increasingly important to businesses small and large, the number of human resources consulting agencies is also increasing. These agencies can offer lucrative careers for professionals with specialty areas such as employee compensation and training. Those with college degrees and certification will have the greatest job prospects.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics

Salary Surveys

As with all careers, salaries for human resources professionals vary depending on occupation, location, level of education, certification, experience and employer type.

New graduates. A July 2007 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that new graduates with a bachelor degree focusing on human resources received starting offers averaging $41,680 annually.

Managers. For those in Human Resources Management occupations, the US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics salary survey shows a May 2008 median wage of $70,190, with the lowest 25% earning below $56,910 and highest 25% earning over $92,230 annually.

All information below is cited from the May 2008 US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics survey.

Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists
Median income: $53,870
Middle 50% earned: $45,470
Lowest 25% earned less than $35,020
Highest 25% earned over $63,110

Training and Development Specialists
Median income: $54,830
Middle 50% earned: $51,450
Lowest 25% earned less than $38,550
Highest 25% earned over $67,450

Training and Development Managers
Median income: $93,830
Middle 50% earned: $87,700
Lowest 25% earned less than $64,770
Highest 25% earned over $115,570

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Median income: $57,060
Middle 50% earned: $53,860
Lowest 25% earned less than $42,050
Highest 25% earned over $67,730

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Managers
Median income: $93,410
Middle 50% earned: $86,500
Lowest 25% earned less than $64,930
Highest 25% earned over $113,480

Human Resources Managers, all other
Median income: $103,920
Middle 50% earned: $96,130
Lowest 25% earned less than $73,480
Highest 25% earned over $126,050

Career advancement

A formal college education is required for advancement in the field of human resources management. Certain specialties or employers may require a master’s degree with a concentration in human resources. Certification is also highly desirable by employers, and most upper-level human resources professionals have at least one certification. Examples of certifications

Work environment

Human resources professionals typically work in an office environment. Some may work from home occasionally, and others travel frequently (especially those performing recruiting or training roles). Work weeks are typically 40 hours, however those involved in contract disputes or mediation may work additional hours when contracts are being prepared and negotiated.

Positions in human resources often receive compensation and benefits packages that include health care, retirement savings plan(s) and paid vacation/sick time.

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