Business & Finance North Carolina (NC) Rank #27 of 50

Human Resources Manager Salary in North Carolina

The median human resources manager salary in North Carolina is $123,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $130,000.

Median Salary
$123,500
vs National
$-6,500
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Human Resources Manager Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for human resources manager compensation. Human Resources Manager salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $123,500 per year, human resources managers in North Carolina earn $6,500 less than the national median of $130,000.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $123,500 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $134,239 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: human resources managers at the 10th percentile earn $74,290, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $197,600 — a $123,310 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $131,300.

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 North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,750 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,750
$-5,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,750
$-8,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $74,290
25th Percentile $95,950
Median (50th) $123,500
75th Percentile $158,650
90th Percentile $197,600

Human Resources Manager Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for human resources managers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in North Carolina? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in North Carolina is $123,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $74,290 (10th percentile) to $197,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,500, a human resources manager in North Carolina earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for human resources managers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for human resources manager pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level human resources managers earn $61,750, while senior professionals earn $156,750.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for human resources manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for human resources managers is Hawaii at $221,000. North Carolina's median of $123,500 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($123,500) and Montana ($123,500).
What is the entry-level human resources manager salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level human resources manager in North Carolina earns approximately $61,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $99,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,750.
What city in North Carolina pays human resources managers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for human resources managers, with a median salary of $131,300. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.