Most of us are familiar with human resources (HR) managers from our professional lives. HR managers often oversee our hiring, payment, workplace issues and departures from our jobs. More generally, HR managers plan, direct and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. It can be economically and personally rewarding, which may lead you to wonder: How do you become an HR manager? Below, we break down the process step-by-step, covering the education, professional experience and other qualifications necessary to become an HR manager.

Steps to Becoming an HR Manager:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Human Resources
2. Consider an Internship
3. Gain the Appropriate Work Experience
4. Apply for a Manager Position
5. Consider Getting Certified

Job Description of an HR Manager
Why Become a Human Resources Manager?
Different HR Career Paths
FAQs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) guide for human resources managers, the entry-level degree necessary to become an HR manager is a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, such as finance, business management, education or information technology. That said, the BLS also acknowledges higher level positions require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration. Furthermore, the BLS notes that certification, while voluntary, can be beneficial to an HR manager’s employment prospects. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which offers such certification, says those with a master’s in an HR-related field can get certification up to two years faster than those with just a bachelor’s degree.

See our full list of 41 accredited online master’s in human resources programs.

Although not necessarily a requirement for becoming an HR manager, those aspiring to the position should consider an internship in the field. Not only are interns able to gain work experience—which is a necessary qualification, according to the BLS guide for human resources managers—but an internship may also be of use when it comes to voluntary certification. For example, students who have accumulated at least 500 internship hours are eligible to sit for the Society for Human Resource Management exam for certification.

The BLS guide for human resources managers notes that becoming an HR manager requires a variable amount of work experience in a related occupation, such as human resources specialist. According to the BLS, HR specialists recruit, sceen, interview and place workers, as well as completing tasks related to employee relations, compensation, benefits and training. HR specialists may be generalists, handling all aspects of HR work; or recruitment specialists, personnel recruiters or “headhunters” who focus primarily on finding new talent. Occupations similar to HR managers include administrative services managers; compensation and benefits managers; compensation, benefits and job analysis specialists; human resources specialists; top executives; training and development managers; and training and development specialists.

Becoming an HR manager requires the appropriate work experience, often as an HR specialist. Making the transition from specialist to manager doesn’t necessarily entail moving from one organization to another, but may be a process of graduating from the former to the latter within the same organization. While this can happen naturally through the course of promotions, it is much more likely to involve a specialist applying for an opening as a manager. Holding a master’s degree in human relations is one qualification that can help an applicant move to a manager position, as is holding a voluntary certification.

Although the BLS guide for human resources managers notes that certification is a voluntary qualification for HR managers, it can improve the employment prospects of HR managers. The Society for Human Resource Management offers such certification, the SHRM-Certified Professional, which is available to HR managers of various educational and professional levels who qualify for and pass a specialized exam. Other certifications are available from the HR Certification Institute, WorldatWork and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

According to the BLS guide for human resources managers, human resources managers plan, direct and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. In particular, they oversee recruitment, consult with executives on strategic planning, and connect management with staff. HR managers may also specialize as: labor relations directors or employee relations managers, who oversee employment policies; payroll managers, who supervise the payment of workers; and recruiting or staffing managers, who lead the search for new talent.

Per the BLS, environments HR managers typically work in are management of companies and enterprises; professional, scientific and technical services; manufacturing; government; and health care and social assistance. The bureau notes that HR managers usually work in offices, although those employed by national or international organizations may have to travel to different branches. HR managers may also have to regularly attend professional conferences and recruitment events.

The BLS guide for human resources managers additionally lays out the education, professional experience and skills necessary to become an HR manager. It notes that most HR managers hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, such as finance, business management, education or information technology, but higher positions require a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration. The position requires a variable amount of work experience in a related occupation. According to the BLS, decision-making, interpersonal, leadership, organizational and speaking skills are necessary for HR managers.

There are many reasons to become a human resource manager. Wages are relatively high, with BLS pay data estimating HR managers make $126,230 a year, as of May 2021. Compared to occupations similar to HR managers that require the same entry-level education—a bachelor’s degree—HR managers command higher median pay than most, according to the BLS. Furthermore, the BLS projects employment of HR managers will increase 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, while the average for all occupations is 8 percent. Beyond economic considerations, the position may also be gratifying on a personal level, as HR managers are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization’s staff and operations.

While becoming an HR manager has its perks, it may not be the ideal position for everyone. Qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in HR or a related field, which may present a barrier to entry for those uninterested in formal education. The bureau notes the position also requires a variable amount of work experience in a related occupation, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a more structured career path.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, there are six career paths to becoming a certified human resources manager. Although the BLS notes that certification is a voluntary qualification, it can be beneficial and offers standard pathways to becoming an HR manager.

Note that the SHRM considers the following programs HR-related: human resource management, human resources, industrial and organizational psychology, management and business administration.

Last Updated: May 2022