Human Resource Managers

Human resources managers are important to the success of many organizations because they deal directly with attracting the most qualified employees and matching them to the jobs for which they are best suited. Since many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees, human resources, training, and labor relations managers provide this link. In the past, these workers have been associated with performing the administrative function of an organization, such as handling employee benefits questions, interviewing, and hiring new personnel in accordance with established policies and requirements.

Today’s human resources workers juggle these tasks and, increasingly, consult top executives regarding strategic planning. They often suggest policies and programs to senior management that improve morale and productivity and limit job turnover. They also help their firms effectively use employee skills, provide training opportunities to improve those skills, and create activities that boost employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions.

In a small organization, a human resources generalist may handle all aspects of human resources work. In a large corporation, the top human resources executive usually develops and coordinates personnel programs and policies.

The manager of human resources may oversee several departments, each headed by an experienced manager who most likely specializes in one personnel activity, such as employment, compensation, benefits, training and development, or employee relations.

Employment

Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists held about 677,000 jobs in 2002. The following shows the distribution of jobs by occupational specialty:

Human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists were employed in virtually every industry. About 3,800 specialists were self-employed, working as consultants to public and private employers.

The private sector accounted for almost 80 percent of the jobs, and the government employed about 18 percent of human resources managers and specialists. They handled the recruitment, interviewing, job classification, training, salary administration, benefits, employee relations, and other matters related to the nation’s public employees.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.

Legislation and court rulings setting standards in various areas—occupational safety and health, equal employment opportunity, wages, health, pensions, and family leave will increase demand for human resources, training, and labor relations experts.

Education and Earnings

Because of the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility, the educational backgrounds of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists varies considerably. In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, personnel administration, or industrial and labor relations. Other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education. As in many other fields, knowledge of computers and information systems also is useful.

An advanced degree is increasingly important for some jobs. A master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or in business administration with a concentration in human resources management is highly recommended for those seeking general and top management positions.

Annual salary rates for human resources workers vary according to occupation, level of experience, training, location, and size of the firm, and whether they are union members. Typical annual earnings of human resources managers were $64,710 in 2002. Typical annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of human resources managers in 2002 were:

If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/.

O*NET OnLine, Occupational Information Network: http://online.onetcenter.org/.