Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Human Resources Manager Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median human resources manager salary in Chicago, IL is $146,900 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$146,900
vs State Avg
+$15,600
vs National
+$16,900
Cost of Living
107%

Human Resources Manager Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median human resources manager salary of $146,900, which is $15,600 above the Illinois state average of $131,300. Compared to the national median of $130,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for human resources managers in Chicago spans from $88,366 at the 10th percentile to $235,040 at the 90th percentile — a $146,674 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,450, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,450. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $73,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,450
+$8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,650
+$13,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,450
+$21,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $88,366
25th Percentile $114,130
Median (50th) $146,900
75th Percentile $188,710
90th Percentile $235,040

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$148,200
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$131,300
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$118,300
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$114,400
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Chicago

Education

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Human Resources Manager Jobs in Chicago

Browse open human resources manager positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Chicago

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Chicago, Illinois is $146,900 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $88,366 (10th percentile) to $235,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,900, a human resources manager in Chicago earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
Chicago's median human resources manager salary of $146,900 is 11.9% above the Illinois state average of $131,300. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a human resources manager salary of $146,900 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Chicago? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.