2026 HR Salary Guide
Empower your people strategy with data-driven insights from our Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert’s 2026 HR Salary Guide, including salary benchmarks across the U.S.
Unlock Key 2026 Human Resources Salary Insights
Human Resource (HR) leaders are balancing innovation with empathy as they navigate hybrid work, AI adoption and evolving employee expectations. Our 2026 salary guide for human resources provides compensation benchmarks and strategic insights across Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Louisville, Raleigh and Washington, DC, helping you build inclusive, resilient HR teams.
Inside the Guide:
- Salary ranges for HR generalists, specialists, leadership roles and more.
- Regional trends in DEI, mental health support and hybrid work.
- Strategic recommendations for retention, onboarding and culture-building.
Access 2026 HR Salary Ranges by Location and Title
Whether you're hiring for a small nonprofit or a large enterprise, the 2026 HR Salary Guide provides salary ranges segmented by company size and location to help you make informed decisions in a competitive talent market.
Roles featured in the guide span multiple HR disciplines, including:
- HR Generalist
- HR Business Partner
- HR Manager
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Director of Human Resources
- Compensation Analyst
- Payroll Specialist
- HR Coordinator
Empower Your Career and Hiring Choices With HR Salary Benchmarks
The 2026 HR Salary Guide reveals compensation ranges for over 40 roles across key U.S. markets. Use this data to set realistic salary expectations, evaluate offers and align pay structures with current market rates. Stay informed, stay competitive.
2026 HR Industry Shifts Across the U.S.
The HR landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, flexibility and a renewed focus on employee wellbeing. The 2026 HR Salary Guide reveals key national trends shaping the future of work:
Wellbeing Takes Center Stage
HR teams are expanding mental health support and flexible benefits to meet rising employee expectations.
AI-powered HR Tools Are on the Rise
Automation is streamlining recruitment, performance management and training, freeing HR to focus on strategic initiatives.
Hybrid Work Is the New Norm
70% of job seekers prefer hybrid arrangements; 88% of employers offer workplace flexibility
2026 HR Hiring Insights by Region
The 2026 HR Salary Guide offers localized hiring insights across seven major U.S. markets. While each region faces unique challenges, recurring themes include widespread hybrid work adoption, growing demand for inclusive and personalized benefits and increased reliance on AI-powered tools to streamline HR operations.
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Atlanta
High turnover in HR and administrative roles is prompting employers to invest in mentorship programs, DEI-focused wellness initiatives and inclusive leadership strategies.
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Austin
Fierce competition and wage inflation are driving HR teams to embrace skills-based hiring, remote sourcing and personalized benefits in the city’s fast-paced tech environment.
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Charlotte
Burnout in entry-level roles and inconsistent hybrid policies are impacting retention. HR teams are responding with mental health support, lifestyle-focused benefits and mentorship programs.
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Chicago
Hybrid work is widely adopted, but talent shortages in mid-level roles persist. Employers are turning to AI-powered recruitment tools and flexible scheduling to stay competitive.
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Louisville
Labor supply constraints are leading HR teams to expand remote work options and inclusive benefits. Flexible retirement transitions and community partnerships are helping retain institutional knowledge.
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Raleigh
Limited local talent is pushing HR teams to source remotely and invest in apprenticeships. Hybrid scheduling and AI-driven training platforms are becoming standard tools.
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Washington, DC
Facing an aging workforce and a federal hiring freeze, HR teams are leveraging flexible work models, DEI analytics and leadership development to address talent gaps and retain top performers.
Human-centered Innovation in a Tech-enabled Workplace
Cordia Resources by Cherry Bekaert’s 2026 HR Salary Guide equips hiring teams with the insights needed to navigate a tech-driven talent landscape. From AI-powered recruitment tools to evolving employee expectations, the guide helps HR leaders stay adaptable and aligned with the future of work.
Download the 2026 HR Salary Guide Today
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