Human resources and business service professionals

How to become a human resources professional

Official title: Human resources professionals

Also called: Human resources adviser, Human resources arbitrator, Human resources consultant, Human resources generalist, Human resources specialist, Human resources supervisor, Human resources coordinator, Human resources policy analyst, Human resources policy officer, Human resources research officer, Disability management professional, Human resources program supervisor

Human resources professionals develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations policies, programs and procedures and advise employers and employees on human resources matters. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.

Main tasks

Plan, develop, implement and evaluate human resources and labour relations strategies including policies, programs and procedures to address an organization's human resource requirements
Advise employers and employees on the interpretation of human resources policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements
Negotiate collective agreements on behalf of employers or workers, mediate labour disputes and grievances and provide advice on employee and labour relations
Research and prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions, salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems
Plan and administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs
Manage programs and maintain human resources information and related records systems
Hire and oversee training of staff
Coordinate employee performance appraisal programs

How to become one

A university degree or college diploma in human resources management or a related field, such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology or completion of a professional development program in human resources administration is required. Some employers may require human resources professionals to hold a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $79,697 a year The middle half earn $62,400 to $98,573.
About 126,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 153,200 are projected by 2033. (+20.9%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become a human resources professional?

How much does a human resources professional earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $79,697 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $62,400 to $98,573.

Is a human resources professional a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2033, from about 126,700 to about 153,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a human resources professional?

Usually. 66% 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