Employers are looking for professionals who are experienced in compensation and benefits as well as those who can step into roles such as HR specialist and HR business partner. Professionals with experience in payroll-related software are also in high demand. Many managers prioritize upskilling employees for new roles, but hiring remains active for many positions.
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25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile
New to the role, with little or no experience; requires more than casual instruction or supervision to perform day-to-day duties
Has the experience to consistently perform core responsibilities without direct supervision; very comfortable with processes and subject matter associated with the role
Value to the organization goes far beyond the ability to perform normal job duties; has rare qualifications that enable consistent contribution in unique ways; ready for next career level when available
Workers in all fields are attracted to a comprehensive benefits package, increasing the need for HR professionals with experience as compensation and benefits administrators. Candidates knowledgeable in workforce management software are in high demand. Meanwhile, companies are bringing in contract HR professionals skilled in a variety of areas to help overburdened staff cope with heavy workloads.
HR strategy Recruitment Compensation
and benefits
management Employee relations  Human resource
management HR strategy Recruitment Compensation
and benefits
management Employee relations  Human resource
management
Some employers are taking longer to make hiring decisions. This gives firms that can move quickly the ability to secure their top-choice HR candidates before competitors can act. Managers who can’t find the help they need often engage talent solutions firms to recruit candidates for permanent roles and provide contract professionals who can support core staff.
How do we determine our salary figures? See our methodology. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels. Other data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. Respondents included hiring managers and employees from small (less than $50 million in revenues), midsize ($50 million to $1 billion) and large ($1 billion or greater) private, publicly listed and public sector organizations across the United States.
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