What does an HR manager earn?

The job of HR Officer is full of responsibilities and offers a promising career. From administrative management to talent development, this key role attracts many applicants. But one question often comes up: what does an HR manager earn? Find out here how much they earn, depending on their experience and career opportunities.

Contents

A few figures on the HR sector in France:

85,000 jobs created each year in HR-related professions (source: Pôle Emploi).
90% of French companies consider the role of HR to be strategic to their development (source: APEC).
High employment rate: 88% of HR graduates find a job within 6 months of completing their studies (source: INSEEC).
HR functions account for around 15% of executive job vacancies, particularly in the services, industry and digital sectors (source: APEC).

Average salary for an HR officer: summary of key figures

Beginner: €25,000 to €35,000 gross per year (€2,000 to €2,500 gross per month).
Advanced (5-10 years): €35,000 to €45,000 gross per year.
Senior (10+ years): up to €50,000 gross per year, or even €90,000 for HR Manager or Director positions.
Recommended training: 5 years’ higher education in Human Resources or a related field to maximise your prospects.
INSEEC courses: specialised HR courses, including Bachelor’s and MSc degrees, to build a lasting career.

Beginner

What is the average salary of an entry-level HR manager?

An entry-level HR manager can expect to earn between €2,000 and €2,500 gross per month, or around €25,000 to €30,000 gross per year. This amount may vary depending on :

Your level of qualification: a master’s degree (bac +5) is often more highly regarded than a licence or BTS.
Experience: work placements, sandwich courses and HR projects carried out during your studies can work in your favour.
Location: for equivalent positions, salaries are often higher in the Paris region than in the provinces.

💡 Market context: The HR sector is undergoing radical change, with strong demand for profiles specialising in talent management, HR digitalisation and diversity.

Confirmed

What is the average salary of a senior HR manager?

After 5 to 10 years’ experience, a senior HR manager’s salary will rise to €35,000 to €45,000 gross per year. This is due to :

Your increased mastery of HR tasks: talent management, steering employee relations or strategic support for managers.
New responsibilities: some profiles move on to positions such as HR Manager or join companies offering target-based bonuses, particularly in recruitment (“headhunting or talent scouting”).

👉 Trend 2024: HR professions are among the 10 most sought-after executive functions, according to APEC, particularly in the areas of recruitment, training and digital HR project management.

Senior

What is the average salary of a senior HR manager?

With more than 10 years’ experience, a senior HR manager can expect to earn a gross annual salary of up to €50,000 or more. In large companies or high-demand sectors, salaries can reach :

70,000 to €90,000 gross per year for HR Manager or Human Resources Director positions.

💡 S ector focus: Large companies (over 250 employees) account for 42% of opportunities in HR functions, but SMEs remain an excellent springboard for gaining experience quickly (source: INSEE).

Course

How can I become an HR manager?

To enter this profession, you need specialised training in Human Resources. Here are the possible routes:

5 years’ higher education recommended: a Master’s or MSc in HR guarantees rapid integration and high prospects for career development.
Fast track: with a Bac +2 or Bac +3 (such as a BTS or licence), you can start out as an HR assistant and work your way up through the ranks with experience.

💡 Why aim for a bac +5? This level of qualification is often required for positions of responsibility and ensures a better salary from the outset.

Offers

What studies should I do at INSEEC to become an HR manager?

INSEEC offers training adapted to each stage of your career:

Bachelor HR in charge of social and CSR management: a first step towards a career in HR.
Master Grande École in Management and Human Resources: a programme of excellence for positions of great responsibility.
MSc Human Resources Manager: specialising in HR strategy.

📍 Why choose INSEEC? Our programmes combine theory and practice (work placements, sandwich courses) and benefit from an excellent network of partner companies to facilitate your professional integration.

Discover

Would you like to find out more?

Discover INSEEC’s programmes and choose the course that best matches your ambitions. If you have any questions, consult our FAQ section or contact our teaching teams.