What Does an HR Professional Do? A Guide to Roles, Responsibilities, and Salaries

An HR professional manages the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to development and offboarding, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a productive work environment. They are strategic partners essential for organizational success, with salaries typically ranging from $35,000 for entry-level roles to over $65,000 for senior positions. This guide details their core duties, career paths, and the skills required to succeed.

What Is an HR Professional?

A Human Resources (HR) professional is a specialist who oversees all activities related to a company's workforce. They act as a crucial link between the organization and its employees, responsible for everything from hiring and payroll to employee relations and professional development. Their primary goal is to attract, retain, and develop talent while ensuring the company operates in compliance with labor laws. Key areas of focus include talent management, which involves identifying, developing, and retaining skilled employees, and maintaining a positive organizational culture.

What Education and Degrees Are Required for an HR Career?

A career in HR typically begins with a relevant bachelor's degree. While educational paths can vary, certain degrees provide a strong foundation:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor's in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Psychology, or Communications is standard for most entry-level and mid-level roles.
• Master’s Degree (MBA): A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in HR is often required for advanced, strategic positions like HR Business Partner or HR Director.
• Professional Certifications: Certifications like the SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) or PHR (Professional in Human Resources) are highly valued and can enhance job prospects and earning potential.

What Are the Core Duties and Responsibilities of an HR Professional?

The responsibilities of an HR professional are diverse and integral to daily operations. Based on our assessment experience, their core duties include:

• Talent Acquisition and Recruitment: This involves working with managers to identify staffing needs, creating job descriptions, sourcing candidates through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—a software application that streamlines the hiring process—and conducting interviews.
• Payroll and Benefits Administration: HR ensures employees are paid accurately and on time. They also manage benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans.
• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution: HR professionals mediate workplace disputes, address employee grievances, and work to maintain a positive and respectful work environment.
• Training and Development: They identify skill gaps and organize training programs to support employee growth, which is a key factor in improving the employee retention rate.
• Policy Development and Enforcement: HR develops and implements company policies regarding conduct, attendance, and performance, ensuring they comply with laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Performance Management: They oversee the performance review process, helping to set goals, provide feedback, and manage promotions or disciplinary actions when necessary.

What Are Common HR Job Titles and Their Salaries?

Salaries for HR professionals vary significantly based on location, experience, and the specific organization. The following table provides a general overview of common roles and their approximate annual salaries in the United States.

Salary figures reflect data listed on ok.com and are approximations at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization, a candidate's experience, and geographic location.

What Skills Are Essential for a Successful HR Professional?

Beyond formal education, success in HR hinges on a specific set of soft and hard skills. The most sought-after skills include:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Essential for everything from conducting interviews and negotiating salaries to resolving conflicts and explaining complex policies.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: The ability to remain neutral and facilitate solutions between disagreeing parties is critical.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: HR professionals juggle multiple tasks, such as recruitment drives, benefit enrollments, and investigations, often simultaneously.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with HR software platforms, including Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), ATS, and performance management tools, is now a standard requirement.
• Empathy and Discretion: Handling sensitive employee information with confidentiality and demonstrating understanding are fundamental to building trust.

To build a career in HR, focus on obtaining a relevant degree, developing strong interpersonal and analytical skills, and considering professional certifications to advance. The role is multifaceted, requiring a balance between strategic thinking and compassionate people management. Success in this field means directly contributing to both employee well-being and the company's bottom line.