Robert Half Salary Guide

In the past year, layoffs impacted human resources professionals as companies went through workforce reductions and hiring freezes. The need for HR, talent acquisition and DEI professionals dipped as hiring activity stalled, especially in the tech sector. Nonetheless, despite a sluggish UK economy, HR continued its essential role to grow the organisation by shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

The function is also undergoing rapid transformation, driven by tech advancements, shifting workplace dynamics and evolving employee expectations. Skills shortages in data analysis and DEI, as well as the need for strong business partnering capabilities, mean that relevant qualifications and experience are in high demand. And strong skills in HR information systems, DEI/ESG and employment legislation will stand candidates in good stead for earlier-stage roles and, for senior appointments, strategic advice for leaders is essential.

Salaries are on the rise, especially for admin and manager roles, which compensates for recent hikes in the cost of living. Nonetheless, a strong corporate culture is key for the attraction of top HR professionals who primarily choose to work for organisations that value people. And the sectors currently hiring such HR talent the most are financial services, tech, FMCG and renewable energy.

Flexible and hybrid working is still valued by HR talent, yet many recognise a balanced return to the office to build corporate culture is beneficial for roles in this space.

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Enter your region to localise national average salaries. Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Human resources

Talent acquisition

Customer services

Senior support

Office support

Secretarial

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Head of HR

67500

74000

82500

HR Manager

51500

60250

68250

HR Project Manager (HRIS/Compensation and Benefits)

51000

67250

72250

Learning and Development Manager

46250

53000

61000

HR Business Partner

46250

53000

61500

HR Generalist

45000

53250

61500

HR Advisor

34250

38000

41000

HR Officer/Coordinator

27500

29750

33000

HR Administrator

26250

27000

28750

25th Percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications

Top jobs in HR

HR advisor / DEI advisor

HR generalist

HR project manager

Functional areas businesses are most likely to hire in HR

DEI

TUPE processes

L&D

Talent acquisition

Top technical skills in HR

HR information system (HRIS)

Employment legislation

DEI / ESG

Payroll

DEI / ESG

Data analytics

Global HR / Payroll experience

Complex employee relations

Top soft skills in HR

Relationship building

Recruitment

Stakeholder management

Project management

Emotional intelligence

Relationship building

Problem solving

Organisational skills

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in HR

CIPD

HR Management degrees

LLM Employment Law

Psychology degrees

Top industries for HR specialists

Financial services

FMCG / E-commerce

Tech

Renewable energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the UK and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges.

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, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2024 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and the financial services industry. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.

Disclaimer The Salary Guide is solely for noncommercial use, and the copyright is the exclusive property of Robert Half. This guide cannot be reproduced or disseminated in any part without Robert Half’s written permission. ©2024 Robert Half Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer.