What You Can Do with a Human Resources Degree? Career Paths, Salaries, and Benefits

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Human Resources Degree is one of those degrees that are easy to get into, and are also easy to pass. Apart from this, Human Resources is also a degree that provides multiple other benefits such as higher salaries and a chance to reach the top position in any organization. People with Human Resources degrees have multiple job opportunities, most of them are in the field of management. As a Human Resources degree helps you reach the top positions in any organization, it also leads to a six-figure salary with minimum education. For example, a lot of people with a Human Resources degree start making six-figure salaries within the first few years of their employment. Here is a list of some high-paying jobs that you can start after completing your education in Human Resources.

Top 15 Career Choices After a Human Resources Degree:

These are the top fifteen career choices that you can make after your Human Resources degree.

  • Top Executive.
  • Office Manager
  • Payroll Specialist
  • Executive Recruiter
  • Training Coordinator
  • Job Analysis Specialist
  • Technical Content Writer
  • Teacher
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Human Resources Consultant
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Compensation and Benefits Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist/Manager

Here are the details about each of these career choices in biological sciences.

1. Top Executive:

This is one of the highest-paying jobs that you can get after completing your degree in Human Resources. The job of a top executive in a company is to ensure the smooth functioning of the operations that are under his/her command. For example, if you become a top executive related to HR, you will be responsible for managing, planning, analyzing, and executing the strategy related to the HR department’s functioning.

From a small company to a large corporation everyone needs a specialist to run these operations, and you can become one by choosing Human Resources as your major. According to the BLS data, top executives have a median income of $107,680, meanwhile, the top earners can make up to $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 2,704,400. The job outlook data for this job shows an 8% growth rate for the next decade.

2. Office Manager:

You can also become an office manager after completing your degree in human resources. As you study multiple topics including business and management, you learn all the basic skills that you need for this kind of job. The job of an office manager is to manage the daily affairs of an office. Office managers are responsible for overseeing the daily tasks that happen in the office and they ensure that these operations are running smoothly. This is also a high-paying job that has multiple career opportunities for growth.

You can progress in your career and improve your position. As office managers are the ones who know all about running the affairs of an office, they are mostly picked up for future higher-level postings. For example, if a company opens a new office, office managers are put in charge of that office. According to the BLS data, office managers have a median income of $98,890, the top earners can make up to $150,000 per year. The total number of jobs related to this post is about 322,000. The job outlook data for this job shows 9% growth.

3. Payroll Specialist:

Payroll Specialists are the ones who determine how much salary an employee will get. From the salary of a CEO to the last person in the company, they get paid when a payroll specialist approves the salaries. The job of a payroll specialist is to ensure that everyone gets paid on time. They not only ensure the payments but also work on policies that help the company lower the spendings. Some companies deploy a completely autonomous payroll system.

But still, they need to oversee that system to ensure that their system is working perfectly and payroll specialists are the ones who make sure that this system runs smoothly. According to the BLS data, Payroll Specialists have a median income of $51,060, while the top earners can make up to $100,000 per year in salaries. The total number of jobs related to this post is about 133,870. The job outlook data for this job shows a 9% growth rate for the next ten years.

4. Executive Recruiter:

Every company needs new employees, and that is why they hire the services of professional executive recruiters. The job of these recruiters is to create and establish a screening process for recruitment. Advertise the jobs, test and interview the candidates and select the best ones based on the requirements of the company. These recruiters handle this process, in some companies, this process is repeated once or twice a year, while in some other companies, this process remains in the loop the whole year. Whatever the policy of a company is related to the recruitment process, they still need the services of professional recruiters.

You need a Human Resources degree to become a recruiter, as, during your study, you will learn all the basics of the recruitment process. That is why the students with HR degrees are always preferred for this role. This is also one of the high-paying jobs that you can get with a degree in Human Resources management. According to the BLS data, executive recruiters have a median income of $121,220, meanwhile, the top earners can make up to $230,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 161,700 and job outlook data for this job shows a 9% growth rate for the next decade.

5. Training Coordinator:

Businesses need staff training, as trained staff gives a better output as compared to the untrained staff. The job of a training coordinator is to create job-related training sessions, and train the recruits and already working staff. This not only helps in increasing the output but also helps lower the costs as well. You can become a training coordinator or a training manager after completing your degree and getting some experience.

In most cases, the experience of five years in this field is considered enough for your promotion to the level of training manager or training coordinator. According to the data from BLS, training coordinators have a median income of $66,970, while the top earners can make up to $100,000. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 190,400 and job outlook data for this job shows a 10% growth rate for the next decade, which is faster than most of the other jobs.

6. Job Analyst:

Another high-paying job that you can get after a degree in Human Resources is the job of a job analyst. The job of a job analysis specialist is to create the job description, requirements, and other important aspects of a job. This helps the companies to hire the people who would work for the company for the long term. Job analysts also help companies define the roles of everyone who works in an organization. This helps in understanding the operational hierarchy of a company and allows employers to become aware of the things such as to whom they will report.

The basic education needed for this degree is a Master’s and you may also need some experience. But you can become a junior job analyst after completing your bachelor’s as well. According to the BLS data, job analysts have a median income of $67,190, meanwhile, the top earners can make more than $100,000 per year. The total number of jobs is about 91,900. The job outlook data for this job shows a 10% growth rate for the next ten years. That is faster than many other jobs related to Human Resources degrees.

7. Technical Content Writer:

You can also become a business content writer after completing your degree in human resources. Human Resources degree holders are aware of the legislation related to employment. So, they can help companies write their contracts with their employees. Not only that, there are other materials required by the Human Resources department. Such as writing appraisal reports, job descriptions, job specifications, training, and orientation materials. Apart from this, you can also become a freelance writer and write about the technicalities in the Human Resources departments. You can also become a published author in the field of Human Resources.

You can become a freelance writer soon after completing your degree in Human Resources. To become a technical writer in a company, you may need additional field experience. According to the BLS data, technical content writers have a median income of $74,650, while the top earners can earn more than $100,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 52,300 and the job outlook data shows a 12% growth rate from 2020 to 2030.

8. Teacher:

You can also become a Human Resources teacher after completing your degree in Human Resources management. There are a lot of job opportunities for the posts of teachers in high schools, colleges, and universities. You can become a high school teacher with a Master’s degree, while to become a university or a college teacher, you will need a doctorate. You will be responsible for teaching the subject of Human Resources to your students.

So, having better knowledge or hands-on experience is also good. Similar to the requirements of each job, the pay per year salary for each job is also different. University professors make more as compared to high school teachers and college lecturers. According to the BLS data, post-secondary teachers have a median income of $80,560 per year and the total number of jobs is about 1,276,900 and the job outlook data shows 12% growth.

9. Human Resources Manager:

You can also become a Human Resources manager after completing your degree in Human Resources management. The basic purpose of this degree is to produce specialists in the field of Human Resources management. The job of a Human Resources Manager is to oversee the process of employment, payroll, training and development, benefits, and all other aspects that involve employee relations. HR managers also oversee the progress or working efficiency of workers and prepare their appraisal reports.

HR manager is a very important position in any company, and that is why companies mostly like to hire highly qualified and experienced people. But you can still get a job as an HR manager easily in smaller companies or get a job as a junior manager and get promoted later on. According to the data, HR managers have a median income of $121,220, while the top earners can earn more than $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 161,700. According to the job outlook data, this job has a growth rate of 9% for the next ten years.

10. Human Resources Specialist:

Companies also hire Human Resources specialists to help them handle their Human Resources related issues. It is a job that you can get after completing your degree and having some field experience. Human Resources specialists have similar job roles as Human Resources managers, but as compared to the Human Resources managers they either work under them or work on a contract basis instead of permanent employment. HR specialists also help companies find the right type of employers for them.

They use multiple online and offline tools and social media websites to find the right candidates for the company. You must have some experience and higher qualifications. Apart from that, you should also be very fluent in using various latest technologies that are helpful in the process of recruiting. HR specialists have a median income of $63,490 while the top earners can make a lot more. The total number of jobs related to this position is about 674,800, and the job outlook shows 10% growth for the next ten years.

11. Human Resources Consultant:

After completing your degree, you can also become a Human Resources consultant. The job of a Human Resources consultant is to help the companies and give them advice related to HR issues. HR consultants work in special firms that offer consultancy services, and sometimes they also work for the companies directly as well. You can become a junior HR consultant after completing your Bachelor’s but to reach the top position, you will need some experience or further education.

Data from the BLS shows that the Human Resources consultants have a median income of $73,090, while the top earners can make up to $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 51,360. The job outlook shows a 10% growth rate for the next ten years, which is fast as compared to the job outlook data for other jobs.

12. Labor Relations Specialist:

The job of a labor relations specialist is to communicate with the employees on the behalf of the company. Employee relations managers work with both higher and lower-level management and workers in the company. They ensure that the operations of the company progress smoothly and there are no interruptions from the employee’s side. Employee relations managers also work in conflict situations and help resolve issues between the employees and the company.

Also, they work with the HR department and talk on the behalf of employees to provide more facilities to the workers. According to the BLS data, labor relations managers have a median income of $73,240 while the top earners earn more than $100,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 73,500. The job outlook data for this job shows a -4% growth rate for the next decade.

13. Training and Development Manager:

After completing your degree in HR management, you can also become a training and development manager. These are the specialists who study a job role, and define its limits and create a training and development program for that job. So, anyone who gets that job will go through the designed training program. They not only help train the recruits but also help the existing employees to train for future roles. For example, if an employee is to be promoted, and specific training is required for that job role, training and development managers will arrange for that training.

Training and development managers sometimes also open their agencies where they consult and give advice related to the training and development of employees. But some companies also hire training and development specialists and managers so that the training process remains continuous. According to the BLS data, training and development managers have a median income of $115,640, meanwhile, the top earners can make up to $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 42,100 and job outlook data for this job shows an 11% growth rate for the next decade.

14. Compensation and Benefits Manager:

Another high-paying job that you can get after your degree in Human Resources management is the job of a compensation and benefits manager. They have a similar job role as the payroll managers, but they not only work on the payrolls but also other benefits. For example, housing schemes for employees, or awarding and rewarding high-performing employees. This act motivates the other workers in the company to outperform their peers so that they will get the benefits. This creates a healthy competition that helps the companies achieve their goals in time.

You may need some experience before being hired as a compensation and benefits manager. Also, higher education will increase the chances of your employability and your overall salary as well. According to the BLS data, compensation and benefits managers have a median income of $125,130, meanwhile, the top earners can make up to $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 18,700. The job outlook data for this job shows a 4% growth rate for the next ten years.

15. Public Relations Specialist:

You can also get the job of a public relations specialist, or manager after completing your degree in HR. The job of a public relations specialist is to communicate. All the skills that you need for this, you can learn them during your course of study. This is not only a high-paying job, but it also offers great growth opportunities. As a fresh candidate, you will get the job of a junior specialist or manager.

But after getting some experience and further education, you will be promoted to this position. Data from BLS shows that the public relations specialists have a median income of $62,810, meanwhile, the top earners can make up to $200,000 per year. The total number of jobs in this profession is about 272,300 and job outlook data shows an 11% growth rate for the next ten years from 2020 to 2030.

Benefits and Salaries for Human Resources Related Jobs:

Job TitleNo. of JobMinimum EducationJob OutlookSalary
1Top Executive.2,704,400Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate8%$107,680
2Office Manager.322,000Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate9%$98,890
3Payroll Specialist.133,870Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate9%$51,060,
4Executive Recruiter.161,700Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate9%$121,220
5Training Coordinator.190,400Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate10%$66,970
6Job Analysis Specialist.91,900Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate10%$67,190
7Technical Content Writer.52,300Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate12% $74,650
8Human Resources Teacher.1,276,900Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate12%$80,560
9Human Resources Manager.167,100Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate9%$121,220
10Human Resources Specialist.674,800Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate10% $63,490
11Human Resources Consultant.51,360Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate10%$73,090
12Employee Relations Manager.73,500Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate-4%$73,240
13Training and Development Manager.42,100Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate11%$115,640
14Compensation and Benefits Manager.18,700Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate4%$125,130
15Chief HR Officer / Director of HR.272,300Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate11%$62,810

Note:(Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source BLS.gov

Types of Human Resources Degrees:

Here are the three most common Human Resources degrees that you can get.

1. Bachelors:

Bachelor’s in Human Resource is a four-year-long college and university level degree. This degree costs an average of $28,000 per year. Admission requirements include a good previous academic record and assigned specific admission tests. After getting admission, you will learn about HR, and other topics related to HR. This will provide you with the necessary skills that you need to start a job in the HR department of small and large companies. Most of the jobs only have a bachelor’s degree requirement but some jobs may need further education as well. 

2. Masters:

Master’s in Human Resources is a two-year-long university education degree. It requires the completion of 40 credit hours. The course of study includes advanced knowledge about HR practices and skills you will need to excel in the field of human resource management. This degree can cost you up to $100,000. But after completing this degree, you will be eligible for higher positions in HR departments.

3. Doctorate:

A doctorate is a four-year-long research-based degree in the field of human resource management. This is for those who want to excel in the field of research related to business practices and HR’s role in business management. This degree can cost you up to $200,000. It requires the completion of 120 credit hours of coursework, homework, and research work. After this degree, you will be eligible for the highest positions in the HR department. Apart from that, it can also help you publish your research work in the form of books and earn from that. You can also become a university professor after this degree.

Skills You Will Learn From Human Resources Degree:

  • Communication,
  • Admin level skills,
  • Business management skills,
  • Teaching, coaching, advising related skills,
  • Public speaking ability,
  • PR, and Employee relations Skills.
  • Payroll management skills.

Conclusion:

If you are interested in doing a degree in HR, you should know that there are great opportunities in terms of jobs. Most of the jobs related to HR degrees are high-paying and you can easily make a six-figure income. Not only that, there are a lot of other benefits, such as career growth, and development opportunities. HR managers, consultants, payroll specialists, relations managers, teachers, training, and development managers all need HR-related skills and these skills come from HR degrees.

So having a degree in HR can be a game-changer for your career. Apart from helping you get a job, you can also start your own business related to consultancy, coaching, recruiting, and more. So, this degree not only helps you get a job but also helps you start a business and successfully run the operations of your business with greater efficiency. So, if you are wondering if you should pick a Human Resource degree or not, I would strongly advise you that you should select this as your major.

FAQs:

Question: Is HR a good degree?

Answer: Yes, an HR or human resource degree is one of the best professional degrees that you need to start a successful career. This degree can help you get a high-paying job with multiple other benefits such as career growth, and development. Also, you can start making a six-figure salary after this degree as most of the jobs related to this degree lead to the job of the HR manager.

Question: How long do HR degrees take to complete?

Answer: That depends on what type of degree you are doing. For example, if you are doing a degree in HR. If you are doing a bachelor’s, it will take four years, if you are doing a Master’s it will take two years, and if you are doing a doctorate, it can take between four to six years.

Question: Can I do an MBA in Human Resource Management?

Answer: Yes, you can do an MBA in human resource management. Business administration degrees also have HRM as a major. So, if you have already done BBA, you can pursue your further education in MBA with an HRM.

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