Top 10 Highest Paying HR Jobs in India [A Complete Report]

Did You Know? Durgesh Deshpande, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Suraksha Diagnostic, earns a staggering ₹1.1 crore per year — a salary that surpasses many startup CEOs! 

HR isn’t just about policies; it’s a power seat in today’s corporate boardrooms, and top roles like this are among the highest-paying in India.

The top-paying HR jobs in India include HR Directors, Talent Acquisition Heads, and Compensation Managers. These roles demand expertise in talent management, HR analytics, compensation strategies, and labor laws to drive organizational success.

This blog explores the highest paying HR jobs, providing insights into HR salary in India and human resources job salary trends. It helps you understand different career paths and earning potential in the HR industry.

Which are the Highest-paying HR jobs in India?

Human Resource Management offers excellent earning potential, especially in senior and specialized roles. As professionals gain more experience, their salaries increase accordingly. From talent acquisition to HR consulting, experienced professionals can earn impressive annual salaries.

Below is a list of the top 10 highest paying HR jobs in India:

Now that you've explored the highest paying HR jobs in India, you might be curious about the actual responsibilities and tasks involved in these roles.

Well, in that case, we've got you covered! Let's get in-depth into each job's responsibilities and average annual salary in India and Abroad.

1st: Vice President of Human Resources

The Vice President of Human Resources oversees and aligns the entire Human resources job salary with the company’s business goals. They shape HR strategy, lead teams across recruitment, compliance, and performance, and drive organizational growth through people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing HR Strategy: Creating scalable HR roadmaps for companies like Infosys or HCL using platforms like SAP SuccessFactors.
• Leading Talent Acquisition: Overseeing hiring campaigns across industries like tech and pharma using tools like LinkedIn Talent Solutions.
• Driving Employee Engagement: Implementing wellness and retention programs in large corporations using platforms like Culture Amp.
• Managing Compliance & Risk: Ensuring legal and ethical HR practices in regulated sectors like banking and healthcare using tools like Darwinbox.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

2nd: Talent Acquisition Director

A Talent Acquisition Director leads the end-to-end recruitment strategy for an organization. Their role focuses on attracting top talent, building employer brands, and aligning hiring plans with business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing Recruitment Strategy: Building hiring frameworks for tech firms and startups using ATS platforms like Greenhouse.
• Managing Employer Branding: Enhancing company image on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to attract high-quality candidates.
• Overseeing Campus Hiring & Diversity Programs: Running inclusive hiring campaigns across sectors like IT, FMCG, and consulting using tools like RippleMatch.
• Collaborating With Department Heads: Aligning recruitment needs with business goals using workforce planning tools like Workday.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

3rd: HR Director

An HR Director manages the overall HR operations and ensures alignment between HR policies and business performance. They lead HR teams across multiple functions like payroll, learning & development, and employee relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing HR Operations: Managing payroll, benefits, and compliance using platforms like ADP in sectors like retail and manufacturing.
• Leading Learning & Development: Rolling out employee training programs through platforms like Coursera for Business or Udemy.
• Handling Policy Implementation: Ensuring smooth rollout of updated HR policies across branches using systems like BambooHR.
• Resolving Workforce Issues: Addressing grievances and improving communication flow in large organizations with tools like Zenefits.

How to Become?

Key qualifications:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

4th: HR Business Partner (Senior)

A Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) works closely with department heads to align HR practices with team-level goals. Their role involves advising leaders on workforce planning, talent management, and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Advising Line Managers: Guiding department leads on performance reviews and team structure using tools like Lattice.
• Driving Organizational Change: Supporting change management initiatives in IT, fintech, and logistics sectors.
• Analyzing Workforce Data: Using platforms like Visier to interpret trends in attrition, productivity, and engagement.
• Building Talent Pipelines: Identifying future leaders and managing succession plans through internal mobility platforms like Gloat.

How to Become?

Key qualifications:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

Also Read: Top 7 Concepts to Learn During an MBA in Human Resources Management

5th: Learning and Development Manager

A Learning and Development (L&D) Manager designs and manages training programs to upskill employees and boost productivity. They play a vital role in shaping employee growth, leadership development, and a continuous learning culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creating Training Roadmaps: Designing role-based training using platforms like Coursera, Skillsoft, or LinkedIn Learning.
• Managing Leadership Programs: Running executive coaching and mentoring tracks in industries like BFSI and IT.
• Evaluating Training Impact: Using tools like LearnAmp or Docebo to measure knowledge retention and on-the-job improvement.
• Promoting Digital Learning Culture: Driving microlearning and gamified modules across distributed teams with platforms like EdApp.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

6th: Employee Relations Manager

An Employee Relations Manager handles workplace dynamics and conflict resolution and ensures a healthy and compliant work environment. They safeguard employee rights while maintaining company interests through effective policies and fair practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handling Workplace Conflicts: Resolving team issues and disputes using case management tools like ServiceNow HRSD.
• Ensuring Policy Compliance: Enforcing labor laws and company rules in sectors like manufacturing, IT, and telecom.
• Conducting Investigations: Managing sensitive cases like harassment or misconduct with platforms like Navex Global.
• Promoting Workplace Fairness: Facilitating feedback loops and grievance redressal using anonymous tools like Officevibe.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

Also Read: Scope of MBA in HR: Job Roles, Skills, Top Companies & Future

7th: Compensation and Benefits Manager

A Compensation and Benefits Manager designs and manages salary structures, incentives, and employee perks to attract and retain talent. Their role is crucial in ensuring fair pay practices, internal equity, and competitive benchmarking across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing Pay Structures: Creating salary bands using benchmarking tools like Mercer or Aon across sectors like IT and BFSI.
• Managing Benefits Programs: Overseeing health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible benefits using platforms like Darwinbox.
• Conducting Compensation Analysis: Using tools like Payscale and Comptryx to analyze pay equity and market competitiveness.
• Handling Incentives & Bonuses: Structuring variable pay, ESOPs, and retention bonuses for roles in startups and MNCs.

How to Become?

Required qualifications:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Talent.com
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

Also Read: HR Management Made Easy Using 15 HR Tools and Softwares

8th: Organizational Development Manager 

An Organizational Development (OD) Manager focuses on improving organizational effectiveness through strategic change, leadership growth, and process enhancements. Their role is to build agile, high-performing cultures by aligning people, processes, and structure with long-term business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Driving Change Initiatives: Leading company-wide transformation programs using models like Kotter’s or ADKAR in sectors like telecom and IT.
• Improving Team Structures: Optimizing org charts and workflows using platforms like OrgVue for scalability and efficiency.
• Enhancing Leadership Capability: Implementing executive development strategies through tools like BetterUp and CoachHub.
• Conducting Organizational Assessments: Analyzing effectiveness using diagnostics from tools like Gallup Q12 and CultureIQ.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

9th: Analytics Manager

An HR Analytics Manager uses data to improve workforce decisions, optimize HR strategies, and forecast future talent needs. They get the best HR salary in India and translate people data into actionable insights, helping leadership make evidence-based decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Tracking Workforce Metrics: Monitoring trends like attrition and productivity using platforms like Power BI and Tableau.
• Creating Predictive Models: Forecasting hiring needs and turnover using tools like Python and R in sectors like IT and BFSI.
• Building Dashboards: Visualizing real-time HR insights for leadership using HRIS platforms like Workday and SAP SuccessFactors.
• Improving Decision-Making: Advising senior HR leaders with data-driven recommendations across functions like recruitment and engagement.

How to Become?

Qualifications Required:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

10th: HR Consultant

An HR Consultant is an external or internal advisor who helps organizations improve HR practices, compliance, and talent strategies. They get the average HR salary in India and bring in specialized knowledge to solve complex HR challenges, often working across industries and company sizes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting HR Audits: Reviewing policies, procedures, and compliance using tools like BambooHR in mid-sized firms and startups.
• Advising on Talent Strategy: Guiding companies on workforce planning, EVP, and recruitment through platforms like SHRM and Naukri Hiring Suite.
• Designing HR Frameworks: Creating SOPs and HR models for sectors like healthcare, edtech, and manufacturing.
• Implementing HR Tech: Helping clients adopt platforms like Zoho People, Darwinbox, or Oracle HCM for automation and scalability.

How to Become?

Required qualifications:

Average annual salary:

Sourced By: Glassdoor
Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the conversion rate.

Also read: 50 Common HR Interview Questions with Answers for 2025

What are the Top Recruiters for HR in India?

The demand for skilled HR professionals in India has led to a growing number of companies which actively hiring talent in this field. Various organizations from multinational corporations to innovative startups require HR experts who can help shape their workforce and enhance employee engagement.

Below is a list of the top 10 recruiters for HR professionals in India:

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What Are The Essential Skills Required For An Hr Professional?

The right skill set helps them drive performance, engagement, and compliance across all levels of the organization.

Below are some of the essential skills every HR professional should learn:

• Communication Skills: Crucial for policy explanation, conflict resolution, and leadership alignment across industries like IT, retail, and healthcare.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Interpreting HR metrics using tools like Excel, Tableau, or Visier to improve hiring and retention strategies.
• Tech Savviness: Using platforms like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Darwinbox for automating HR workflows and employee management.
• Change Management: Supporting organizational transformation using structured frameworks like ADKAR in sectors like BFSI and logistics.
• Talent Acquisition Expertise: Designing hiring funnels and EVP strategies using platforms like LinkedIn Talent Solutions and Greenhouse. 
• Emotional Intelligence: Managing team dynamics, leadership development, and conflict with empathy in people-first companies and startups.

What Qualifications are required to become an HR in India?

To build a successful career in HR, professionals need a combination of academic qualifications, certifications, and practical exposure. These credentials not only boost credibility but also open doors to senior HR roles across various industries.

Below are the most common qualifications required to become an HR professional in India:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A BBA, BA in Psychology, or B.Com with HR specialization is a common starting point for entry-level HR roles.
• MBA or PGDM in HR: Preferred for mid to senior roles in top firms like TCS, Infosys, and HDFC, often involving strategic HR leadership.
• Professional Certifications: Credentials like SHRM-CP, HRCI-PHR, or NIPM boost expertise in areas like labor laws, HR analytics, and global HR practices.
• HR Tech Training: Courses in platforms like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM are essential for tech-savvy HR operations in large companies.
• Internships and Live Projects: Practical experience in startups, consultancies, or HR SaaS companies provides practical exposure to HR tools and challenges.

Also Read: How to Become an HR Professional in India?

How to Make a Good Career in HR?

HR job opportunities requires a mix of academic knowledge, practical exposure, and constant upskilling. With the right steps, you can grow from a generalist to a specialist or even a top-level HR leader.

Below are some proven ways to build and grow a strong career in HR:

• Start with Internships: Gain hands-on experience in recruitment or payroll by working with startups, NGOs, or HR consultancies.
• Pursue Relevant Education: Enroll in MBA or PGDM (HR) programs and supplement with certifications from SHRM or Coursera.
• Learn HR Tools & Tech: Get trained in platforms like Darwinbox, Zoho People, or SAP SuccessFactors for an edge in digital HR roles.
• Specialise in a Niche: Focus on domains like talent acquisition, HR analytics, or L&D to stand out in industries like IT, BFSI, and manufacturing.
• Stay Updated: Follow HR trends, attend webinars, and read insights from platforms like People Matters, HR Katha, and LinkedIn Learning.
• Network With Professionals: Join communities and events by SHRM India, NHRDN, and other HR forums to grow your visibility and connections.

Also read: Must Read 26 HR Round Interview Questions & Answers

Conclusion

The HR field in India offers lucrative roles in tech, finance, and manufacturing with long-term career growth. Whether you aim to become a Talent Acquisition Director or CHRO, mastering AI-driven hiring and strategic HR management is essential.

upGrad offers industry-recognized HR management programs, hands-on projects, and certifications from top universities if you're serious about building a strong HR career. 

Here’s a list of the courses provided by upGrad that will help you in your journey:

• HR Analytics Course Certification from IIM-K
• Introduction to HR Analytics
• Introduction to HR Management and Strategy
• MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
• Business Communication Masterclass

Not sure where to start? Book a free career counseling demo call with upGrad’s experts! You can also visit upGrad’s offline centers to explore more learning opportunities.

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