HR Managers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
HR Managers in the United States earn a median salary of $149,280 per year — about $72 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 222K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +5%.
AI & Automation Risk
Human resources management is a digital-heavy knowledge occupation where AI can significantly automate recruitment screening, payroll processing, and regulatory compliance reporting. While the role requires high-level interpersonal skills for dispute mediation and strategic leadership, the vast majority of the administrative and analytical tasks are highly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains and restructuring.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $220,460 | Above avg (113.1) | $194,996 |
| Midland, MI | $170,710 | Below avg (90.6) | $188,380 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $191,190 | Above avg (107.0) | $178,664 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $209,340 | Above avg (117.6) | $178,084 |
| Bismarck, ND | $156,110 | Below avg (89.4) | $174,710 |
| Peoria, IL | $154,490 | Below avg (88.8) | $173,909 |
| Greenville, NC | $156,950 | Below avg (91.8) | $171,009 |
| Binghamton, NY | $156,640 | Below avg (92.1) | $170,094 |
| Mankato, MN | $147,830 | Below avg (87.6) | $168,665 |
| Boulder, CO | $169,000 | Average (100.6) | $167,969 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $184,990 | Above avg (110.4) | $167,574 |
| Greeley, CO | $161,390 | Below avg (96.6) | $166,996 |
| Niles, MI | $148,360 | Below avg (89.7) | $165,350 |
| Ithaca, NY | $164,420 | Average (99.5) | $165,200 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $160,580 | Average (97.3) | $164,956 |