Job seekers: Explore opportunities and grow your career.

Human Resources professionals continue to play a vital role in shaping the evolving world of work. The function is undergoing considerable change, driven by advancements in technology, changing workplace trends and rising employee expectations. As businesses place increased focus on people-centric strategies, the demand for HR expertise remains robust across all industries.

Ongoing talent shortages in areas like data analytics, HR systems and employment law mean that individuals with the right credentials and experience, especially in strategic partnering and consultative roles, are in high demand.

While salaries have been on the rise, competitive pay alone is not sufficient to secure top-tier candidates. A strong organisational culture and clearly defined people-focused values are essential for attracting and retaining HR talent.

Workplace flexibility remains a leading priority, with hybrid arrangements now the norm. HR professionals recognise the value of in-person collaboration in building a cohesive and engaging workplace culture, while maintaining a level of flexibility, which allows for better work-life balances. And employers that cultivate agile, tech-enabled, inclusive and future-facing environments are best equipped to draw in and retain the next wave of HR professionals.

Hiring managers: Get customised salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional.

How much should I pay or earn?

View salaries by category

Enter your city to see salaries tailored to your local market. Starting salaries can vary significantly depending on your skills and experience, the size and sector of the organisation, and the demand for the role in your area. The city you choose reflects not only the urban centre but also the surrounding region.

Talent acquisition

Learning and development

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)/Chief People Officer

110250

147000

183750

HR Director

92000

110250

128750

Head of DEI

58750

66250

73500

Head of HR

62500

70000

80750

HR Project Manager (HRIS/Compensation and Benefits)

51000

66750

72500

HR Manager

55250

62000

70000

HR Generalist

45000

53750

61250

HR Business Partner

46750

53500

64500

HR Advisor

34500

39000

44250

HR Officer/Coordinator

27750

30000

33250

HR Administrator

26000

27500

29000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Hiring? Schedule a walk-through with a Robert Half recruiter

Looking for a job? Explore our vacancies

Get customised insights on recruitment plans and salary trends in the UK. Fill out this form to arrange a personal walk-through of our 2026 Salary Guide.

Book a walk-through

Digital transformation reshapes HR roles

31% of organisations intend to expand their HR teams, with a strong focus on candidates who combine essential people-focused capabilities with digital proficiency and some understanding of AI to align with today’s evolving workplace needs.

HR change management

M&A / integrations / restructures

L&D – technology

Talent acquisition/management

HR information system (HRIS)

Employment legislation

HR integrations

Talent acquisition

Salaries on the up for tech-savvy HR talent

70% of HR hiring managers are prepared to offer higher salaries to professionals who bring in-demand digital and emerging technologies skills.

Generative AI / data analytics

HR integrations / M&A

Global HR / Payroll experience

Complex employee relations

Office productivity tools

Digital comms

Data analysis

AI and automation

Hybrid working remains a preferred model for many HR professionals, but a return to full-time office presence isn’t off the table, especially if accompanied by appropriate financial recognition. Employers seeking to boost in-person attendance may find that an increase in salary could help tip the balance.

standard

of HR professionals would consider working fully on-site if offered a higher salary, highlighting pay as a key motivator of HR professionals would consider working fully on-site if offered a higher salary, highlighting pay as a key motivator

standard

say a salary boost of up to 10% is enough to entice them to spend more time in the office say a salary boost of up to 10% is enough to entice them to spend more time in the office

Top certifications, industries and in-demand roles

Candidates equipped with desirable qualifications tend to receive elevated starting offers, especially where hiring activity and demand for technical skills remain strong. These are among the most in-demand credentials today.

CIPD

HR Management degrees

LLM Employment Law

Psychology degrees

Demand for HR talent is highest within the below industries. These sectors are rewarding candidates who possess both the experience and specialist skills needed, often with enhanced salaries. They also offer significant opportunities for climbing the career ladder.

Professional services

Financial services

Education

Healthcare / Wellness

Manufacturing / Industrial

Retail

Tech

Marketing and advertising

As the labour market evolves, certain roles are becoming increasingly vital to business performance. Identifying which positions will be most sought after in 2026 allows employers to plan ahead and attract the right talent.

HR Director

HR Manager

Talent Acquisition Partner

HR Business Partner

HR Project Manager

HR Advisor

Smarter hiring. Better jobs. Personalised guidance.

A Salary Guide walk-through delivers in-depth insights

Build your team with skilled talent

Looking for a job?

More to explore

The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and over 350k third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2025 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and legal, risk and compliance. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.