Business & Finance Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Human Resources Manager Salary in Wisconsin

The median human resources manager salary in Wisconsin is $119,600 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $130,000.

Median Salary
$119,600
vs National
$-10,400
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Human Resources Manager Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for human resources manager compensation. Human Resources Manager salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $119,600 per year, human resources managers in Wisconsin earn $10,400 less than the national median of $130,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $119,600 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $130,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: human resources managers at the 10th percentile earn $71,944, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $191,360 — a $119,416 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $130,000.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,800 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,800
$-13,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $71,944
25th Percentile $92,920
Median (50th) $119,600
75th Percentile $153,640
90th Percentile $191,360

Human Resources Manager Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for human resources managers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median human resources manager salary in Wisconsin is $119,600 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $71,944 (10th percentile) to $191,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,600, a human resources manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for human resources managers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 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 $59,800, while senior professionals earn $151,800.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for human resources manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for human resources managers is Hawaii at $221,000. Wisconsin's median of $119,600 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($119,600) and Texas ($119,600).
What is the entry-level human resources manager salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level human resources manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $59,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $96,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $151,800.
What city in Wisconsin pays human resources managers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for human resources managers, with a median salary of $130,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.