How to become a human resources manager
Official title: Human resources managers
Also called: Benefits manager, Personnel manager, Employment manager, Recruiting manager, Compensation manager, Human resources manager, Staff relations manager, Human resources director, Labour relations manager, Pay and benefits manager, Employee benefits manager, Official languages manager
Human resources managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of human resources and personnel departments, and develop and implement policies, programs and procedures regarding human resource planning, recruitment, collective bargaining, training and development, occupation classification and pay and benefit administration. They represent management and participate actively on various joint committees to maintain ongoing relations between management and employees. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of human resources or personnel departments
- Plan human resource requirements in conjunction with other departmental managers
- Coordinate internal and external training and recruitment activities
- Develop and implement labour relations policies and procedures and negotiate collective agreements
- Administer employee development, language training and health and safety programs
- Advise and assist other departmental managers on interpretation and administration of personnel policies and programs
- Oversee the classification and rating of occupations
- Organize and conduct employee information meetings on employment policy, benefits and compensation and participate actively on various joint committees
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in a field related to personnel management, such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology or completion of a professional development program in personnel administration is required. Several years of experience as a personnel officer or human resource specialist are required. Some employers may require human resources managers to hold a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $112,496 a year The middle half earn $93,756 to $137,670.
- About 54,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 62,000 are projected by 2033. (+14%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a human resources manager?
A bachelor's degree in a field related to personnel management, such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology or completion of a professional development program in personnel administration is required. Several years of experience as a personnel officer or human resource specialist are required. Some employers may require human resources managers to hold a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.
How much does a human resources manager earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $112,496 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $93,756 to $137,670.
Is a human resources manager a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 54,400 to about 62,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a human resources manager?
Usually. 60% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03