Chief Human Resources Officer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$245,000
national median salary
$185,000 to $318,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$341,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$255,000
Albany, NY
Lowest Paying
$194,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Chief Human Resources Officer salary in the United States is $245,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $185,000 at the 25th percentile to $318,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $341,000, while Albany offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Company size and workforce headcount are the dominant salary drivers for CHROs.
Chief Human Resources Officer salary by city
Skills that increase Chief Human Resources Officer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Chief Human Resources Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $34,300 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$34,300 per year
≈ +$31,850 per year
≈ +$29,400 per year
≈ +$26,950 per year
≈ +$26,950 per year
≈ +$24,500 per year
≈ +$24,500 per year
≈ +$22,050 per year
What you should know
Company size and workforce headcount are the dominant salary drivers for CHROs. Organizations with over 5,000 employees typically pay 30 to 50% more than mid-market firms. Industry regulation intensity, M&A activity, and global workforce complexity also push compensation upward significantly.
HR directors earn $130,000 to $180,000 before reaching VP of HR at $170,000 to $250,000. SVP of HR roles pay $220,000 to $320,000 in base salary. CHROs at large enterprises command $280,000 to $400,000 base, with total packages often doubling that figure.
CHROs receive comprehensive executive packages including 30 to 50% annual bonuses, equity grants worth $100,000 to $500,000, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental executive retirement benefits. Total compensation often reaches $400,000 to $800,000.