Business & Finance Massachusetts (MA) Rank #2 of 50

Human Resources Manager Salary in Massachusetts

The median human resources manager salary in Massachusetts is $184,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $130,000.

Median Salary
$184,600
vs National
+$54,600
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Human Resources Manager Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #2 out of 50 states for human resources manager compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for human resources managers seeking high pay. At $184,600 per year, human resources managers in Massachusetts earn $54,600 more than the national median of $130,000.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $184,600 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $136,741.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: human resources managers at the 10th percentile earn $111,044, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $295,360 — a $184,316 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $217,100.

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for human resources managers across the country.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $92,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $234,300 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,300
+$27,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,100
+$44,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$234,300
+$69,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $111,044
25th Percentile $143,420
Median (50th) $184,600
75th Percentile $237,140
90th Percentile $295,360

Human Resources Manager Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for human resources managers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Massachusetts

Education

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Massachusetts is $184,600 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $111,044 (10th percentile) to $295,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $184,600, a human resources manager in Massachusetts earns approximately $89 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for human resources managers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #2 out of 50 states for human resources manager pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level human resources managers earn $92,300, while senior professionals earn $234,300.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for human resources manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for human resources managers is Hawaii at $221,000. Massachusetts's median of $184,600 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($221,000) and California ($179,400).
What is the entry-level human resources manager salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level human resources manager in Massachusetts earns approximately $92,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $149,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $234,300.
What city in Massachusetts pays human resources managers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for human resources managers, with a median salary of $217,100. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.