Most companies realize that their success depends on developing and retaining the right employees, which is why human resource (HR) managers play such a critical role in organizations worldwide. These in-demand professionals keep their employers competitive by strategizing and planning for a company’s personnel needs, and then creating effective policies and programs to attract and retain the best workers. The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Resources Management program from Florida Institute of Technology offers students the solid foundation needed to succeed as a human resource manager.
HR Manager Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of human resource managers will grow 6% between 2023 and 2033. This is faster than the average growth rate BLS projects for all occupations.
HR manager job growth generally occurs as changes in employment law, healthcare, retirement plans, family leave and labor relations spurs demand for professionals with human resources expertise. Specifically, as related to current market conditions, BLS states that HR managers “are needed to help meet strategic organizational priorities, such as employee engagement and retention, diversity and inclusion, and remote work and return to office.” The best job prospects are likely to go to college graduates with a well-rounded education, including specialized training in human resources and industry certification.
HR Manager Responsibilities, Duties and Job Description
Human resource managers are generally responsible for administering compensation and benefits policies and serving as a link between management and employees. They handle questions and concerns about pay, benefits, job descriptions, vacations and corporate policies. Other duties of HR managers include recruiting and hiring new employees and administering orientation, onboarding and training programs.
As part of a company’s senior management team, human resource managers often participate in planning and strategy. This shift toward strategic advisory roles is accelerating as AI-driven technologies advance the automation of routine or mundane HR tasks like screening resumes for basic job requirements.
Further HR manager responsibilities include executing the organization’s objectives as they relate to personnel. For example, to ensure competitive employment offers and retain valued employees, HR managers must research and analyze industry-standard salaries and benefits to develop attractive compensation packages.
Improving morale, increasing productivity and reducing turnover are other important aspects of human resource manager responsibilities and job duties. This focus on improving the employee experience is becoming increasingly important for securing, onboarding and retaining the best talent. This leads many companies to rebrand HR as the “people center,” complete with an executive leadership position referred to as the chief people officer. Conversely, HR managers also typically handle employee disciplinary actions, layoffs and terminations according to labor laws and company policies.
Human resource managers often supervise specialists in areas such as payroll, training, development, recruiting and benefits. Larger companies may have several staff members in each of these areas, all reporting to the human resource manager — who is often ultimately responsible for activities such as paying payroll taxes, filing employer and insurance reports, and administering programs such as transportation, wellness and employee assistance.
Additionally, human resource managers often make recommendations to executive management regarding policies for hiring, terminating and compensating employees. Their goal is to minimize risk and liability by ensuring compliance with applicable local, state and federal employment laws.
Most human resource managers work in an office setting, and a standard 40-hour week is the norm. The job role may occasionally require overtime. Some HR managers travel extensively, especially in the case of large companies with multiple locations.
Human Resource Manager Salary Potential
According to BLS data, human resource managers earned a median annual salary of $136,350, as of May 2023. Salaries for the lower quartile were around $103,340, while the upper quartile earned $182,120. The top earning 10% of HR managers made in excess of $239,200 annually.
Recent bachelor’s graduates generally start out in specialist or generalist positions at a correspondingly lower human resource management starting salary and move into higher-level roles once they attain sufficient experience. The top salaries generally go to human resource managers with extensive experience, advanced education and industry certification.
How Do You Become a Human Resource Manager?
Human resource manager education requirements and qualifications differ depending on exact position, company size, industry and more. The majority of human resource manager jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Some employers may favor candidates with a graduate degree. Success in this field relies on a broad knowledge base that includes social sciences, business, finance and law — as well as specialized training in human resources.
In addition, holding industry certification may help professionals become HR managers. Organizations such as The Society for Human Resource Management, HR Certification Institute and International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans offer certification programs related to various specified HR management job roles.
A successful human resource manager career can begin with enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program with a specialization in human resources management, business administration or a related field. HR coursework typically includes management of human resources, training and development, compensation and benefits, and administrative and personnel law. Employers can be confident that graduates of a human resources management program are able to:
- Implement employee training and development programs that keep pace with a changing business environment
- Demonstrate best practices for attracting, assessing, acquiring, retaining and terminating personnel
- Understand legal perspectives on wages, benefits, pay equity and job evaluation
- Sit for certification exams and achieve industry certification
- Use HR expertise and evolving HR technologies to enhance impact as a high-level strategic advisor
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a human resource manager
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It may be possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to further one’s education.
Considering Human Resource Manager Career?
To succeed in a human resource manager position, it’s imperative to possess strong leadership skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, computer proficiency, business savvy and interpersonal skills. Additional attributes needed for this profession are the ability to work well under pressure, handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and demonstrate respect for people from all backgrounds.
Aspiring HR leaders can develop these skills and attributes through reputable HR degree programs like Florida Tech’s. With valuable training and expertise from a BA in HR program, professionals gain what they need to advance into a rewarding and fascinating career in human resource management.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Human Resources Management program.
