How to become a Human Resources Manager

Also called: HR Manager, People and Culture Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the human resource and workplace relations activities within an organisation.

Main tasks

• Determines, implements, monitors, reviews and evaluates human resource management strategies, policies and plans
• Advises and assists other managers in applying sound recruitment and selection practices, and appropriate induction, training and development programs
• Develops and implements performance management systems to appraise and improve individual and team performance
• Represents the organisation in negotiations with unions and employees to determine remuneration and other conditions of employment
• Develops equal employment opportunity programs, and ensures compliance with related statutory requirements
• Oversees the application of redundancy and other employee retrenchment policies
• Monitors employment costs and productivity levels
• May train and advise other managers in personnel and workplace relations matters

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB60320); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420); Diploma of Human Resource Management (BSB50320); Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $143,936 a year
• About 92,900 people work in this job group now, and about 113,100 are projected by 2035. (+21.8%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Corporate Services Manager
• Finance Manager
• Policy and Planning Manager
• Research and Development Manager
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Regulatory Affairs Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Human Resources Manager?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management; Diploma of Leadership and Management.

How much does a Human Resources Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $143,936 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Human Resources Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2035, from about 92,900 to about 113,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Human Resources Manager?

Not always. 59% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management; Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Will AI change the work of a Human Resources Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04