Business & Finance Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Human Resources Manager Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median human resources manager salary in Arlington, VA is $178,100 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median and 25.7% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$178,100
vs State Avg
+$36,400
vs National
+$48,100
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median human resources manager salary of $178,100, which is $36,400 above the Virginia state average of $141,700. Compared to the national median of $130,000, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $178,100 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $134,924. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for human resources managers in Arlington spans from $107,134 at the 10th percentile to $284,960 at the 90th percentile — a $177,826 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,050, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $226,050. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $89,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $226,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,050
+$24,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,850
+$38,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$226,050
+$61,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $107,134
25th Percentile $138,370
Median (50th) $178,100
75th Percentile $228,790
90th Percentile $284,960

Human Resources Manager Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$139,100
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$136,500
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$133,900
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$131,300
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Arlington

Education

Most human resources manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Human Resources Manager Jobs in Arlington

Browse open human resources manager positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Arlington

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Arlington, Virginia is $178,100 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $107,134 (10th percentile) to $284,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $178,100, a human resources manager in Arlington earns approximately $86 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for human resources manager pay? ▼
Arlington's median human resources manager salary of $178,100 is 25.7% above the Virginia state average of $141,700. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a human resources manager salary of $178,100 in Arlington 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 Arlington? ▼
Most human resources manager positions in Arlington 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.