Human resources officer: Salary and conditions

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Human resources generalist: Deborah Easton

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According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) , the average salary for a graduate-level human resources (HR) officer is £24,375. Starting salaries may be lower than this but there are opportunities for rapid progression and salary increases as you gain experience, particularly if you have a CIPD qualification. HR officers with some experience can expect to earn in the region of £30,000+.
For senior posts, such as HR directors, typical salaries can range from around £75,000-£100,000.
Salaries within HR vary considerably between employers. They can be influenced to some extent by location but also by industry sector, level of responsibility, seniority and particular function.
Working hours tend to be a standard 9am to 5pm day but may sometimes include shift or weekend work. There may be a requirement to work extra hours to meet deadlines.
The work is office-based but may involve travel to other sites such as factories, hotels, government departments or retail outlets, depending on the type and structure of the employer. An organisation may be divided into a number of geographically or functionally distinct units. A major retailer, for example, may have a central office dealing with overall personnel policies, with a generalist HR officer looking after the day-to-day matters at the retail branches and warehouses.
Self-employment/freelance work is sometimes possible and is becoming more widespread as organisations increasingly buy in expertise in particular areas on a short-term basis if provision is not available in-house. HR consultancy is becoming much more common due to the rise in outsourcing HR practices. These opportunities are usually for those with experience in the field (a CIPD qualification is essential), possibly with a management/HR consultancy background.
Part-time and job-share positions may be available.
Opportunities exist throughout the UK, with the majority of jobs available in the larger towns and cities. Some specialist roles are more likely to be found in the headquarters of an organisation, usually in a major city.
The type of organisation, structure of the HR department and your own area of work determine the opportunities for travel both within the UK and elsewhere. Careers may be international, even at a junior level.

Salary figures are intended as a guide only.

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