HR officer Salary UK
Human resources and industrial relations officers in the UK earn a median salary of £33,012 a year (ONS ASHE 2025, gross pay, all employee jobs), and the middle half earn between £27,273 and £42,406. The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Human resources and industrial relations officers” (SOC 3571).
Pay by career stage and region: HR Manager salary by region
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £33,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For human resources and industrial relations officers, £35,194 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -10% versus the national average. Experienced human resources and industrial relations officers (top 25%) earn over £42,406.
About this role
Human resources and industrial relations officers (2020 SOC) manage people processes including recruitment, employee relations, performance management and policy development, advising line managers and ensuring compliance with employment legislation.
Key responsibilities
- Managing end-to-end recruitment processes
- Advising on disciplinary, grievance and capability procedures
- Supporting performance management and appraisal processes
- Maintaining HR records and producing people metrics
- Contributing to policy development and employee engagement
Qualifications and entry routes
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is the standard professional qualification. Degrees in HR management, business or psychology are common. Employment law knowledge is essential.
Career outlook
Demand steady across all sectors. People analytics, employee experience and organisational development are growing areas of focus.
Key skills
Common industries
- All sectors
- Professional services
- NHS
- Education
- Local government
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£20,625
0-2 years
Mid Level
£27,273
3-7 years
Senior
£42,406
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +106% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 12.5%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£2,182
HR officer salary: common questions
How much do human resources and industrial relations officers earn in the UK?
Is £35,194 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for human resources and industrial relations officers?
Have human resources and industrial relations officers salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for human resources and industrial relations officers?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.