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

The field of Human Resource Management in India is changing rapidly, making it an exciting career choice. According to Talent Edge, India is recognized as one of the most promising emerging economies, which is set to add about 250 million workers to its labor force at a rate of 18 million each year. 

This growth places HR in a very important role, carrying significant responsibilities in managing a diverse workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed how HR operates, with remote work becoming common and a greater focus on employee well-being. 

As a result, the demand for HR professionals is growing, with salaries for top HR positions ranging from INR 10L to over INR 50L per year, depending on experience and specialization.

But did you exactly know, What is HR?

Human Resources (HR) is that department of the company which is responsible for managing its employees and workforce. All the activities in the company such as hiring new talent, developing employee skills as well as ensuring observation of labor laws come under the HR department.

HR ensures that a company's employees are engaged, productive, and aligned with the organization's goals.

Here are some reasons why a career in HR is a great choice:

• High Demand:

  Many companies are investing in HR, leading to a strong need for skilled professionals.

• Variety of Roles:

  HR offers various specializations, such as recruitment, training, and employee relations.

• Meaningful Impact:

  HR helps shape workplace culture and improve employee satisfaction.

In this blog, take a closer look at the top 10 highest-paying HR jobs in India, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and salary ranges for each position.

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:

1. VP of Human Resources
2. Talent Acquisition Director
3. HR Director
4. HR Business Partner (Senior)
5. Learning and Development Manager
6. Employee Relations Manager
7. Compensation and Benefits Manager
8. Organizational Development Manager
9. HR Analytics Manager
10. HR Consultant

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.

10th: HR Consultant

An HR Consultant is responsible for providing expert advice and support to organizations on various human resources matters. They help businesses develop effective HR strategies, improve employee relations, and ensure compliance with labor laws.

The key responsibilities of an HR Consultant are:

• Strategic HR Planning:

  Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the organization’s goals, focusing on talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development.

• Policy Development and Compliance:

  Advice on the creation and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

• Employee Relations and Engagement:

  Facilitate employee engagement initiatives, resolve workplace conflicts, and provide guidance on performance management to foster a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications required to become an HR Consultant in India are:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources is required.  A master’s degree or relevant certifications (such as SHRM-CP or PHR) is often preferred.
Experience	5-10 years of experience in human resources, with a focus on consulting or advisory roles.

The average annual salary of an HR Consultant  in India and Abroad are:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 4.7L
USA	INR 70L (USD 83318)
UK	INR 32L (GBP 52638)
Canada	INR 53L (CAD 87728)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

9th: Analytics Manager

The HR Analytics Manager is responsible for using data to help the HR department make better decisions. This role involves collecting and analyzing employee data related to hiring, performance, retention, and engagement to identify trends and patterns.

A successful HR Analytics Manager needs a strong background in data science.

Key responsibilities of an Analytics Manager in HR:

• Data Analysis:

  Analyze HR data to provide insights on workforce trends and performance metrics.

• Predictive Modeling:

  Create models and KPIs to forecast HR needs and assess program effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Communication:

  Collaborate with HR teams and leaders to communicate findings and align with business goals.

Here are the qualifications required for HR Analytics Manager:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Analytics, Data Science, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or relevant certifications (such as SHRM or HR Analytics certification) is often preferred.
Experience	5-7 years of experience in HR or data analytics, with a focus on HR metrics and analytics.

Thinking about how much an HR Analytics Manager can earn?

Here are the details:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 9L
USA	INR 1Cr (USD 128496)
UK	INR 75L (GBP 68432)
Canada	INR 46L (CAD 75244)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

8th: Organizational Development Manager 

The Organizational Development Manager is responsible for improving the overall effectiveness of the organization by focusing on its people and processes. 

Responsibilities of an Organizational Development Manager in HR:

• Change Management:

  Design and implement change management strategies to support organizational transformations and enhance employee buy-in.

• Training and Development:

  Oversee the creation and execution of training programs that promote employee skills and career growth.

• Performance Improvement:

  Analyze organizational performance and implement initiatives to improve effectiveness and employee engagement.

 

Here are the Qualifications required to become an Organizational Development Manager in HR:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or relevant certifications (such as ODCP or SHRM-SCP) is often preferred.
Experience	Generally, 5-8 years of experience in organizational development, human resources, or related fields.

The average annual salary of an Organizational Development Manager is listed below:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 12L
USA	INR 91L (USD 108500)
UK	INR 51L (GBP 46661)
Canada	INR 50L (CAD 81918)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

7th: Compensation and Benefits Manager

The Compensation and Benefits Manager in HR is responsible for developing and managing the company’s pay structure and benefits programs. This includes analyzing salary data, designing compensation packages, and ensuring that they are competitive and fair. 

To be effective as a Compensation and Benefits Manager, candidates should have a solid educational foundation in human resources or finance, along with significant experience in compensation and benefits administration. 

Some of the key responsibilities of a Compensation and Benefits Manager in HR:

• Compensation Strategy:

  Develop and manage compensation structures and salary policies to ensure competitiveness and equity.

• Benefits Administration:

  Oversee the design, implementation, and communication of employee benefits programs, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.

• Market Analysis:

  Conduct market research to benchmark compensation and benefits practices, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.

Here are the qualification requirements for a Compensation and Benefits Manager:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or professional certification (such as CCP or PHR) is often preferred.
Experience	5-7 years of experience in compensation, benefits, or human resources management.

Here is the table displaying the average annual salary of Compensation and Benefits Managers in India, the USA, the UK, and Canada:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 13.5L
USA	INR 91L (USD 108056)
UK	INR 68.5L (GBP 62833)
Canada	INR 69L (CAD 113874)

Sourced By: Talent.com

6th: Employee Relations Manager

The Employee Relations Manager in HR is responsible for maintaining a positive workplace environment by addressing employee concerns and promoting effective communication between staff and management. 

Here are the top three key responsibilities of an Employee Relations Manager in HR:

• Conflict Resolution:

  Address and mediate workplace disputes, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Policy Implementation: 

  Ensure effective communication and enforcement of HR policies and procedures related to employee conduct and relations.

• Employee Engagement: 

  Develop and implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention within the organization.

Qualifications to become an  Employee Relations Manager in HR are:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or relevant certifications (such as SHRM-CP or PHR) is often preferred.
Experience	Generally, 5-7 years of experience in human resources, with a focus on employee relations, conflict resolution, or labor relations.

The average annual salary of an Employee Relations Manager in HR  in India and Abroad are:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 14L
USA	INR 91L (USD 108251)
UK	INR 53.5L (GBP 49015)
Canada	INR 51L (CAD 83832)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

5th: Learning and Development Manager

The Learning and Development Manager in HR is responsible for designing, implementing, and training programs that enhance employee skills and drive organizational growth. This role involves conducting needs assessments to identify training gaps, developing curricula, and facilitating workshops or e-learning sessions. 

To excel as a Learning and Development Manager, candidates should have a solid educational background in HR or education, supported by significant professional experience in training and development.

key responsibilities of a Learning and Development Manager in HR:

• Training Development:

  Design and implement training programs aligned with organizational goals.

• Needs Assessment: 

  Identify training needs and evaluate the effectiveness of learning initiatives.

• Career Planning: 

  Collaborate on career development paths and succession plans.

Here are the qualification requirements for a Learning and Development Manager:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or relevant certifications (such as CPLP or ATD) is often preferred.
Experience	Typically, 5-8 years of experience in learning and development, training, or talent management.

Here is the table highlighting the average annual salary of learning and development managers in different countries:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 14.5L
USA	INR 92.5L (USD 110000)
UK	INR 60.5L (GBP 55482)
Canada	INR 62.5L (CAD 102815)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

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

4th: HR Business Partner (Senior)

The Senior HR Business Partner aligns HR strategies with business objectives and collaborates with senior leadership to identify employee needs. They analyze HR metrics, address employee relations issues, and provide guidance on HR policies.

To be successful as an HR Senior Business Partner, candidates must have a strong educational background in human resources or business, complemented by extensive experience in the field.

The main objective of a Senior HR Business Partner are:

• Strategic Alignment:

  Partner with leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives and drive organizational performance.

• Talent Management:

  Oversee talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to build a strong workforce.

• Employee Relations:

  Provide guidance on employee relations issues, ensuring effective conflict resolution and compliance with policies.

Here are the qualification requirements for an HR Business Partner:

Qualifications	Details
Education	A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  A master’s degree or HR certification (such as SHRM-SCP or PHR) is often preferred.
Experience	Typically, 7-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a business partner role.

Here’s the table of average salaries of HR Business Partner in various countries:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 27L
USA	INR 83.5L
UK	INR 62L (GBP 56787)
Canada	INR 58L

Sourced By: Glassdoor

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

3rd: HR Director

The HR Director manages the HR department and ensures alignment with organizational goals. They develop recruitment, employee development, and performance management policies while addressing employee relations and compliance with labor laws.

To become an HR Director, specific qualifications are essential to ensure effective management of the HR department. 

Here are the top responsibilities of an HR Director:

• Strategic Leadership:

  Develop and execute HR strategies that align with overall business goals and drive organizational growth.

• Policy Development: 

  Establish and oversee HR policies, practices, and compliance to ensure a fair and equitable workplace.

• Talent Management: 

  Lead talent acquisition, development, and succession planning efforts to build a high-performing workforce.

key qualifications required for this role:

Qualifications	Details
Education	Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.  A Master's degree, such as an MBA in HR, is highly preferred.
Experience	Must have 10+ years of experience in HR, with at least 5 years in leadership or senior management roles.

Here’s a comparison of average salaries for HR Directors in various countries:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 40L
USA	INR 1.5Cr (USD 185034)
UK	INR 76.5L
Canada	INR 76.5L

Sourced By: Glassdoor

2nd: Talent Acquisition Director

They are responsible for the entire hiring process, from creating job descriptions to managing candidate interviews, ensuring that the organization meets its staffing needs effectively.

Here are the top three key responsibilities of a Talent Acquisition Director:

• Recruitment Strategy:

  Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract top talent and meet organizational hiring needs.

• Team Leadership:

  Lead and mentor the talent acquisition team, ensuring effective sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding processes.

• Employer Branding:

  Enhance the organization's employer brand to attract candidates, including managing recruitment marketing and outreach initiatives.

The qualification requirements to become a Talent Acquisition Director are:

Qualifications	Details
Education	Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred
Experience	8+ years in recruitment or talent acquisition, with leadership experience

Here are the average salaries of Talent Acquisition Director in the World:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 43L
USA	INR 1.3Cr (USD 125592)
UK	INR 1.5Cr (GBP 138195)
Canada	INR 94.6L (CAD 155761)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

#1st: Vice President of Human Resources

The VP of Human Resources oversees the HR department and develops strategies to align HR practices with organizational goals. They play a crucial role in driving talent management, employee engagement, and ensuring a positive workplace culture.

Some of the responsibilities of a VP of Human Resources are:

• Strategic HR Leadership:

  Drive the overall HR strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and creating a high-performance culture.

• Policy and Compliance Oversight:

  Establish and enforce HR policies and practices, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

• Executive Collaboration:

  Partner with senior leadership to address workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development needs.

Want to know about the qualifications they need?

Here are the details:

Qualification	Details
Education	MBA in HR or related field
Experience	10+ years in HR, with leadership roles

Are you curious to get to know how much a VP of HR can earn?

The average salary for a VP of Human Resources varies significantly based on factors such as location, company size, and industry. In India, HR executives can expect attractive salaries that reflect their experience and expertise.

Here is the average annual salary of a VP of Human Resources in India and Abroad:

Country	Average Salary (per year)
India	INR 48.5L
USA	INR 1Cr (USD 161,477 )
UK	INR 1.5Cr (GBP 140070)
Canada	INR 1.5Cr (CAD 249528)

Sourced By: Glassdoor

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

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:

Company	Description
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)	A leading IT services and consulting firm known for its strong HR practices.
Infosys	A major player in IT and consulting, recognized for its commitment to employee development and diversity.
Wipro	A multinational corporation that emphasizes innovative HR strategies to enhance workforce engagement.
Accenture	A global consulting firm that recruits HR professionals for strategic roles in talent management.
HDFC Bank	One of India’s leading banks, known for its comprehensive HR policies and focus on employee well-being.
Cognizant	A global IT services company that invests in HR talent to drive organizational success and enhance performance.
IBM India	A technology and consulting leader fostering a dynamic workplace with a focus on continuous learning.
Capgemini	A multinational corporation known for its talent acquisition strategies and prioritization of skill development.
Reliance Industries	A diverse conglomerate that recruits HR experts to support a vast workforce across multiple sectors.
Walmart India	A retail giant recognized for its strong HR practices aimed at improving employee satisfaction and performance.

What are the essential skills required for an HR professional?

To excel in Human Resources Management, there are certain crucial HR skills employers are looking for hat are required for professionals. These skills enable HR experts to effectively manage the workforce, enhance employee engagement, and create a positive organizational culture.

Here are the top 5 skills that every HR professional should have:

1. Communication Skills: 

• Effective communication is important in HR, as professionals must convey information clearly and listen to employees' concerns. 
• Strong verbal and written communication helps in building trust within the company.

2. Interpersonal Skills:

• HR professionals interact with individuals at all levels of the organization. 
• Strong interpersonal skills help them build relationships, promote teamwork, and create a positive work environment.

3. Problem-Solving Skills:

• The ability to identify and address workplace issues is crucial for HR professionals. 
• Strong problem-solving skills enable them to develop practical solutions to challenges such as employee disputes, low morale, or disciplinary issues.

4. Organizational Skills: 

• HR professionals often have multiple tasks, from recruitment to employee relations. 
• Strong organizational skills help them manage time effectively.

5. Knowledge of Labor Laws: 

• A solid understanding of employment laws and regulations is essential for HR professionals to ensure compliance and protect the rights of employees. 
• This knowledge helps organizations avoid legal issues.

Want to learn more about these skills sign up for UpGrad's Online Programs in Human Resource Management and start applying for these highest-paying jobs HR jobs in India.

What Qualifications are required to become an HR in India?

If you're considering a career in Human Resources in India, we can help guide you through the key qualifications you'll need. A mix of education, skills, and certifications is essential to excel in this field. 

Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Bachelor’s Degree:

  A degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Master’s Degree (optional):

  An MBA or specialized Master’s in HR can give you an advantage for senior positions.

• Certifications:

  Certifications like SHRM-CP, PHR, or HR Generalist to enhance your credentials.

• Strong Communication Skills:

  You'll need to communicate and negotiate with employees and management efficiently.

• Understanding of Labor Laws:

  Having a solid grip on Indian employment laws and regulations is important.

• Interpersonal and Problem-Solving Skills:

  Handling workplace dynamics and resolving conflicts effectively is key.

• Experience in HR Internships or Entry-Level Roles:

  Gaining practical experience will prepare you for the daily challenges of HR.

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

How to make a Good Career in HR?

A career in Human Resources (HR) can be both rewarding and impactful, as it involves helping organizations manage their most valuable asset: their people. HR professionals play a crucial role in recruitment, employee development, and creating a positive work environment. 

If you're interested in pursuing a career in HR, follow these steps:

Step 1. Earn a Relevant Degree:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Step 2. Gain Experience:

• Look for internships or entry-level positions in HR to get hands-on experience.

Step 3. Develop Key Skills:

• Focus on improving essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Step 4. Consider Certifications:

• Pursue professional certifications, such as SHRM-CP or PHR, to enhance your qualifications.

Step 5. Network with Professionals:

• Join HR associations, attend industry events, and connect with HR professionals to expand your network.

Step 6. Stay Updated on HR Trends:

• Keep informed about the latest trends and best practices in HR through articles, workshops, and webinars.

Step 7. Specialize in an Area:

• Consider specializing in a specific HR area, such as recruitment, employee relations, or training and development.

 

To get an HR job, clearing the interview session is crucial. Ace your HR interview with our top questions & answers guide.

 

Conclusion

A career in Human Resources offers a unique opportunity to shape workplace culture and support employee growth, making it an attractive choice for aspiring professionals. With the increasing demand for skilled HR experts in India, you have the chance to not only secure a well-paying job but also make a significant impact in your organization. 

UpGrad's Online Programs in Human Resource Management provide the perfect platform to gain essential knowledge and skills to excel in this dynamic field. Take the next step toward your HR career and enroll in UpGrad’s courses today for a better future.

If you're still unsure, why not get a free and personalized counseling session to guide you on your career path?