Some people think human resources (HR) jobs are fading away because of automation and artificial intelligence, but that’s not true. HR roles are actually growing and remain essential. Technology may change how companies work, but it can’t replace the human touch. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts HR jobs will grow by 8% by 2033, faster than many other careers. This growth shows how critical HR is for helping employees thrive, building fair workplaces, and linking talent with company goals.
HR careers are not just in demand—they offer great benefits. You can work in many industries, help shape company culture, and make a difference in how businesses and their employees succeed. HR professionals also enjoy opportunities for career growth and strong salaries.
If you’re thinking about a career in HR, there are many paths to explore. Whether it’s hiring, managing benefits, or training leaders, there’s a role to match your skills and interests.
10 Must-Know HR Job Positions for a Rewarding Career
Before starting a career in HR, it’s important to know what each role involves. Understanding the responsibilities, goals, and growth opportunities in each position can help you choose a job that matches your interests and skills, setting you up for a fulfilling and successful career.
1. Recruiter
Recruiters help companies find the right people for jobs. They create job postings, review resumes, interview applicants, and negotiate offers to bring in top talent. They also build relationships at career fairs and networking events to find future hires. Earning around $54,075 a year, recruiters can grow into leadership roles like recruitment manager or talent acquisition leader, where they oversee entire hiring strategies.
2. HR Generalist
HR generalists handle a little bit of everything in the HR department. They develop policies, manage employee concerns, oversee payroll, and make sure the company follows labor laws. Earning around $61,685 a year, this role offers great exposure to all areas of HR, making it a perfect stepping stone for promotions to HR manager or director roles.
3. HR Specialist
HR specialists focus on one specific area of HR, like hiring, benefits, or safety. Depending on their specialty, they may run recruitment processes, manage benefits programs, or make sure workplace rules are followed. With an average salary of $47,207 a year, specialists can move up to management roles or focus more deeply on their area of expertise as consultants.
4. Employee Relations Manager
Employee relations managers focus on keeping the workplace a positive and productive environment. They resolve disputes, handle complaints, and ensure employees feel heard and valued. Making about $76,946 a year, they can move into higher roles like senior HR manager or director of employee engagement, shaping workplace culture across the organization.
5. Benefits Administrator
Benefits administrators help employees understand and manage things like health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. They also negotiate better deals with benefit providers. Earning about $40,485 a year, they can advance to benefits manager positions, where they have the chance to create innovative programs to attract and keep valuable employees.
6. Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers focus on helping employees improve and grow. They create training programs, oversee company-wide learning initiatives, and measure how effective these efforts are. Earning around $69,685 a year, they often transition into roles like director of learning and development, shaping the skills and growth of the entire workforce.
7. Compensation Analyst
Compensation analysts ensure that employees are paid fairly and competitively. They research salaries, decide pay levels, and recommend adjustments when needed. With an average salary of $62,290 a year, they can take on broader roles like compensation manager or explore HR data analytics, which combines pay strategies with insights into workforce trends.
8. HRIS Specialist
HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) specialists manage HR technology. They ensure employee data is organized, secure, and easy to access. Earning about $66,000 a year, this tech-focused role is perfect for individuals interested in both technology and HR. Growth opportunities include becoming HR technology managers or global HRIS directors.
9. Labor Relations Specialist
Labor relations specialists work closely with unions and employees to maintain fair treatment and a good working environment. They create labor contracts, resolve disputes, and ensure labor laws are followed. Earning about $90,426 a year, this role can lead to higher positions like director of labor relations or executive HR roles that influence workplace policies on a large scale.
10. Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
The CHRO is the top HR executive who sets goals for the entire HR department. They focus on aligning the company’s people strategy with its business goals, improving culture, and overseeing all HR operations. With an average salary of $126,230 a year, a CHRO is often part of the company’s top leadership team and can transition to broader roles like Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Is HR the Right Career for You?
Deciding if human resources is the right career for you depends on what you enjoy and what your goals are. If you like helping people, solving problems, and creating a positive workplace, HR could be a great fit. Here are some simple steps to help you figure it out:
1. Think About What You’re Good At
Are you someone who enjoys working with people or organizing processes? Maybe you like solving conflicts or working with technology. HR has many different roles, so knowing your strengths can help you find the job that suits you best.
2. Match HR to Your Values
If you care about fairness, teamwork, and creating a positive company culture, HR might feel like a natural choice. A lot of HR roles focus on making workplaces better and more inclusive, which can be meaningful work if you value these things.
3. Try It Out
One of the best ways to see if HR is right for you is by getting some hands-on experience. Look for internships or entry-level jobs like HR assistant or recruiter. These roles can give you a feel for the work and help you learn more about what HR is really like.
4. Learn From Others
Find someone who’s already working in HR and ask them for advice. A mentor can share what the job is like, how they got started, and what they enjoy about it. This can give you useful insights and help you plan your next steps.
5. Make Connections
Attend career events, webinars, or HR workshops to meet people in the field. Networking can help you explore different areas of HR and might even lead to new opportunities.
HR is a broad field with plenty of chances to grow and succeed. Whether you’re passionate about helping people, enjoy solving problems, or are interested in using technology, there’s an HR role for you. Take the time to think about what excites you, learn from others, and gain experience—it might just lead you to a rewarding career in HR!