Are you considering a master’s degree in human resources to move from a generalist or specialist role into HR management? A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resources (HR) management is a common educational requirement for some management and leadership positions, many of which earn six-figure salaries. If you want to learn more about the challenging and rewarding supervisory, directorial and senior-level management roles in HR, this article will provide a quick overview to jump-start your research.
Getting your MBA with a Concentration in Human Resources Management online from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) will open doors for the numerous roles you may eventually consider. This article will cover the income potential, roles and levels of responsibility for each career option.
Human Resources Management: A Diverse Spectrum of Roles
HR managers are often directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of human resource functions. They typically perform various managerial duties and oversee teams of generalists and specialists. Human resources departments in larger organizations tend to have more management roles, with managers specializing in specific disciplines.
In smaller firms, HR managers commonly have broader responsibilities. These include controlling all activities of the HR department, developing personnel policies and procedures, formulating personnel plans, overseeing recruitment efforts, updating compensation programs and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for HR managers is $130,000 per year as of May 2022. Projected job growth between 2022 and 2032 is 5%, faster than the average of all occupations. Earning an MBA in HR management can sometimes lead to higher salaries or promotions. Related positions in HR management, with median 2022 salaries from BLS, are as follows:
- Administrative services managers($101,870 per year): Organizations rely on these managers to plan and coordinate administrative services, including recordkeeping, office upkeep and facility maintenance.
- Compensation and benefits managers($131,280 per year): These managers develop and supervise the tasks involved in administering compensation and benefits to employees.
- Training and development managers($120,000 per year): An organization’s professional development and knowledge/skills training activities are planned and directed by these managers.
ZipRecruiter provides median annual salary data for the following managerial roles (March 2024).
- Regional HR manager($97,026): Staffing, employee relations, training, and health and safety programs are some of the many HR programs these managers design and implement for a region.
- HRIS manager($113,386): This manager oversees an organization’s Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) functions.
- Labor relations manager($111,369): This position plans and supervises labor policies, procedures and programs and negotiates agreements between labor and management.
- EEO supervisor($63,748): The activities involved in staying compliant with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, including affirmative action, fall under the purview of this role.
- Benefits director($116,897): This role supervises an organization’s health and welfare benefits and manages the communication of changes and updates to employees.
- Recruiting director($99,093): These professionals handle employment programs, including recruitment processes. This role is essential for furthering and maintaining company culture and morale, especially in the remote working world.
- Human resources director($116,601): These directors oversee HR functions from hiring and compensation to training, safety regulations and employee relations.
- Organizational development director($112,050): This critical role involves directing organizational development programs, policies and procedures.
Furthering Your Career in HR Management
Leaders in the HR profession have many rewarding career paths to choose from in human resources departments in virtually any industry. For those who choose this profession, a specialized MBA in HR management provides a strong educational platform to support a successful management career.
Separate yourself from other aspiring managers with UNC’s online MBA in Human Resources Management program. This program prepares students for upper-level management roles by helping them develop the skills and process knowledge required for success.
Learn more about UNC’s online MBA with a Concentration in Human Resources Management program.
