Global HR compensation report · 2026
What does HR pay
around the world?
Median gross salaries for HR roles in 45 countries, converted to US dollars and ranked. Switch roles, filter by region, and see where the market pays — and where it doesn't.
How to read these numbers
Figures are median gross annual salaries in USD for private-sector, mid-market employers (roughly 100–1,000 employees), converted at approximate mid-2026 exchange rates. They are directional estimates compiled from public salary guides — actual pay varies widely by city, company size, industry, benefits load, and currency movement. Use them to compare markets, not to set offers.
Common questions
Which country pays HR managers the most?
Switzerland, Norway and Denmark top the benchmark, with median HR manager salaries around US$80,000–120,000. The US follows closely at senior levels — HR directors there commonly exceed US$140,000.
Are these salary figures exact?
No — they're market estimates. For a precise range for a specific role, seniority and location, use the free salary benchmarking tool (grounded in official wage data for the US, UK, Canada and Australia).
I'm hiring in another country — where do net pay and employer cost come in?
Gross salary is only part of the picture. Statutory employer contributions range from near zero to 30%+ of gross depending on the country. Run the global pay calculator for a full net-pay and employer-cost breakdown for any role and country.
Benchmark your own salary
Free, instant ranges for any role in the US, UK, Canada or Australia — grounded in official wage data.
Check my salary →Hiring abroad?
Estimate local market pay, employee take-home, and full employer cost — with misclassification risk notes.
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