How Much Does a Senior HR Generalist Make? (2025)
Senior human resources generalists play a pivotal role in managing employee relations, supporting compliance efforts, and shaping organizational culture. They act as the bridge between leadership and employees, ensuring company policies align with the evolving workforce needs.
As of June 15, 2025, Salary.com reports that the average senior HR generalist salary is approximately $98,523 per year. Let’s dive deeper into the salary of a senior HR generalist, the pay range, and the factors that influence earnings in 2025.
What is the Average Senior HR Generalist's Salary?
As of June 2025, the average salary for a senior HR generalist in the United States is $98,523 per year, equating to approximately $43 per hour. The salary for HR generalist roles, depending on seniority, tends to span a wide spectrum based on multiple industry variables.
2025 Senior HR Generalist Salary: $98,523 per year ($43 per hour)
In weekly and monthly terms, senior human resources generalists typically earn $1,725 per week and $7,475 per month, respectively.
What Is the Pay Range for Senior HR Generalists?
The salary for HR generalist professionals in senior roles usually falls between $80,724 and $118,621 per year. Influencing factors include geographic location, company size, and individual qualifications.
Senior HR generalist salary range: $80,724 to $118,621 per year ($36 to $53 per hour)
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43 | $1,722 | $7,462 | $89,724 |
| 25th Percentile | $45 | $1,788 | $7,745 | $92,939 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $47 | $1,895 | $8,210 | $98,523 |
| 75th Percentile | $51 | $2,038 | $8,833 | $106,972 |
| 90th Percentile | $53 | $2,114 | $9,165 | $109,965 |
A Senior HR Generalist Salary Factors
As mentioned earlier, the salary of senior HR generalist is shaped by key variables such as years of experience, job location, and specific skill sets. Let's examine these in more detail.
Years of Experience
Experience remains one of the biggest indicators of senior human resources salary levels. Entry-level positions generally pay between $92,331 and $93,056 per year, while those with several years of experience can earn up to $97,785 or more.
| Levels | Years of Experience | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior HR Generalist | 0–1 | $92,331 |
| Intermediate Level | 1–2 | $93,056 |
| Senior Level | 2–4 | $94,507 |
| Specialist Level | 5–8 | $97,785 |
| Expert Level | 8+ | $101,407 |
Place of Work
According to US. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The senior human resources salary can vary significantly depending on the industry. For example, professionals in finance, healthcare, or tech may receive higher compensation packages compared to those in government or nonprofit sectors.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government | $81,540 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $81,330 |
| Manufacturing | $77,570 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | $62,060 |
| Employment services | $58,650 |
Skill Set
The earning potential for a senior human resources professional is strongly influenced by their skill set. Employers across industries increasingly seek individuals who bring both strategic oversight and operational excellence to their human resources departments. These specialized competencies directly impact the salary of senior HR generalist, helping professionals command top-tier compensation.
Skills such as employee relations management, performance evaluation systems, and legal compliance expertise can differentiate a candidate in today’s competitive human resources landscape. Data from recent market analyses confirms that senior human resources professionals with niche skills earn 8% to 12% more than their peers.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | 41.67% | +5.80% |
| Employee Relationship Management | 38.51% | +6.19% |
| Employment Law | 20.49% | +6.15% |
| Employee Engagement | 12.29% | +5.90% |
| Background Checks | 11.26% | +5.83% |
| Retirement Programs | 11.14% | +4.97% |
Senior HR Generalist Salary by City and State
Where you work can make a major difference in how much you're paid. Some locations, due to high demand and cost of living, offer much higher salaries for human resources professionals.
Highest Paying States for Senior HR Generalists
According to Salary.com, these states offer top salaries for senior HR generalists:
- District of Columbia: $109,083 (or $48 per hour)
- California: $108,673 (or $48 per hour)
- New Jersey: $106,793 (or $47 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $107,223 (or $47 per hour)
- Washington: $106,833 (or $47 per hour)
Senior HR Generalist Salary by State
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $106,653 |
| Alabama | $90,513 |
| Arkansas | $89,013 |
| Arizona | $96,003 |
| California | $108,673 |
| Colorado | $100,523 |
| Connecticut | $105,293 |
| District of Columbia | $109,083 |
| Delaware | $99,773 |
| Florida | $93,223 |
| Georgia | $95,023 |
| Hawaii | $102,973 |
| Iowa | $94,293 |
| Idaho | $91,973 |
| Illinois | $100,423 |
| Indiana | $94,573 |
| Kansas | $93,813 |
| Kentucky | $92,713 |
| Louisiana | $93,673 |
| Massachusetts | $107,223 |
| Maryland | $101,583 |
| Maine | $96,063 |
| Michigan | $97,023 |
| Minnesota | $100,823 |
| Missouri | $93,613 |
| Mississippi | $87,863 |
| Montana | $93,013 |
| North Carolina | $93,633 |
| North Dakota | $97,323 |
| Nebraska | $92,823 |
| New Hampshire | $99,603 |
| New Jersey | $106,793 |
| New Mexico | $91,253 |
| Nevada | $97,513 |
| New York | $104,743 |
| Ohio | $95,933 |
| Oklahoma | $91,093 |
| Oregon | $100,053 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,083 |
| Rhode Island | $102,153 |
| South Carolina | $92,323 |
| South Dakota | $89,543 |
| Tennessee | $92,073 |
| Texas | $96,103 |
| Utah | $94,343 |
| Virginia | $99,213 |
| Vermont | $96,703 |
| Washington | $106,833 |
| Wisconsin | $96,923 |
| West Virginia | $88,723 |
| Wyoming | $94,483 |
Highest Paying Cities for Senior HR Generalists
Certain cities pay considerably higher than the national average, reflecting demand and industry saturation in those regions:
- San Francisco, CA - $123,043 per year (or $54 per hour)
- New York, NY - $114,173 per year (or $50 per hour)
- Boston, MA - $109,883 per year (or $48 per hour)
- Chicago, IL - $101,813 per year (or $45 per hour)
- Los Angeles, CA - $109,083 per year (or $48 per hour)
Way to Increase Your Salary as a Senior HR Generalist
Boosting your senior HR generalist salary in 2025 requires more than just tenure—it demands strategic upskilling, specialization, and visibility within the human resources field.
- Get Certified: Earning credentials like SHRM-SCP or SPHR shows you're ready for high-level responsibilities. These certifications often lead to promotions and higher salaries in senior human resources roles.
- Leverage Technology & Analytics: Mastering platforms like SAP SuccessFactors or Workday, along with strong data analysis skills, makes you indispensable. Data-savvy human resources professionals typically earn more.
- Specialize Your Role: Focusing on in-demand areas like compensation strategy, labor compliance, or talent management can elevate your senior HR generalist salary significantly.
- Expand Cross-Functional Influence: Leading projects beyond HR, such as DEI programs or change management. Enhances your strategic value and earning potential.
- Relocate or Go Remote: States like California and Washington offer top-tier salaries. Exploring remote roles gives access to higher-paying markets without the need to move.
- Stay Legally Updated: Keeping current with labor law ensures your compliance skills are sharp, making you vital to your organization and more likely to earn a top human resources salary.
- Know Your Worth: Use data from Salary.com to benchmark your compensation and negotiate smartly. Awareness of the updated salary landscape empowers you to confidently ask for what you deserve.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of June 2025, the following figures represent the mean annual salary based on publicly available data across leading job market platforms. Here’s a breakdown:
Unweighted Average Salary: $96,591
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$98,523/year
TALENT.COM AVG. SALARY
$107,500/year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$115,545 /year
INDEED AVG. SALARY
$81,101/year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$80,289/year
