In an ever-evolving market, human resources play a pivotal role as strategic partners, driving organisational culture and shaping your company’s reputation as an employer of choice. However, this critical responsibility underscores the importance of HR expertise - making competitive salaries and benefits essential to attracting the best professionals.
Our comprehensive human resources salary guide equips you with the insights and data needed to adapt to the changing job market, build a resilient, future-focused team, and drive long-term career success.
Drawing on data from 18 million job postings on Reed.co.uk since 2017, the guide reveals key salary trends across 12 regions in the UK, helping you benchmark your team’s pay or discover what you could - and should - be earning. It also includes expert analysis of local job markets and a look at the benefits employees will value most in 2026.
Digital tools and AI are gradually reshaping HR, but perhaps not in the way many predicted. The consensus among many HR professionals is that AI is more likely to augment their roles rather than replace them. Its greatest potential lies in automating administrative tasks, freeing up HR teams to focus on more strategic, people-focused initiatives.
Private Sector HR Expert, Reed
Who is the 2026 human resources salary guide designed for?
Our HR salary guide is tailored for:
Employers aiming to attract talent by benchmarking salaries against competitors.
New startups determining competitive pay for their employees.
Businesses looking to retain talent by aligning existing salaries with market standards.
Graduates and young professionals entering the industry, providing a clear understanding of salary expectations.
HR specialists ensuring their current earnings align with regional averages.
Professionals planning to relocate, offering insights into local job markets and salary trends.
Jobseekers preparing for negotiations with potential employers.
Looking for human resources benchmarking insights?
Gain a competitive edge in the HR industry with precise benchmarking insights. Our guide, built on data from over 18 million job postings from Reed.co.uk, offers a comprehensive view of salary trends and market dynamics.
Explore detailed analysis across the UK, with visually engaging graphics showcasing key salary shifts over the past year. Backed by a robust four-year dataset, the guide also includes salary projections for the year ahead and historical averages dating back to 2017.
Curious about what you should be earning?
Discover how your salary compares to industry standards and ensure you're positioned for success in today’s competitive market.
Whether you're looking to enter the HR industry, negotiating a pay rise, or exploring new opportunities, this guide is your go-to resource for staying informed and ahead of the curve.
A CIPD qualification, particularly at level 5 or above, is seen as a significant asset. It demonstrates a deep understanding of UK employment law, which is crucial in the current climate of restructuring and redundancies.
Public Sector HR Expert, Reed
What jobs are covered in the Reed human resources salary guide 2026?
This guide provides salary data for a number of roles across the HR sector, from entry-level to c-suite executives, including:
HR manager
Recruitment coordinator
HR advisor
Employee relations manager
Chief operating officer
Training manager
Reward manager
Organisational development specialist
Talent acquisition manager
Why download the UK’s most trusted human resources salary guide?
Our salary guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the ever-evolving HR landscape. Here’s why it’s a must-have:
Accurate and reliable data: Built on insights from millions of job postings over nine years, it’s the most comprehensive and trusted source for salary benchmarking.
Regional insights: Get a detailed breakdown of salary trends across 12 regions in the UK, helping you make informed decisions whether you’re hiring, relocating, or negotiating.
Futureproof your talent strategy: With salary projections for 2027, you’ll stay ahead of market trends.
Tailored for everyone: Whether you’re a graduate, jobseeker, employer, or startup, this guide is designed to meet your unique needs.
Visual clarity: Engaging graphics make it easy to spot key salary shifts and trends at a glance.
How can Reed’s HR salary guide assist with benefits and rewards benchmarking?
At the end of 2025, we conducted our annual survey of 5,000 UK workers to understand how they feel about their salaries, benefits, role and responsibilities, as well as job satisfaction and market trends.
Some key findings include:
20% of professionals feel unhappy with their current salary.
The overwhelming reason for salary dissatisfaction is that pay hasn't kept pace with the cost of living.
26% of respondents have £100 or less leftover each month after essential bills, with seven per cent stating their entire salary goes to essentials.
To switch jobs, individuals expect a substantial average pay increase of £12,139.55.
On average, men earn £48,367.15, while women earn £33,852.12, a difference of over £14,500.
And women have significantly less disposable income, with an average of £626.61 left over monthly compared to £983.38 for men.
Younger workers (25-34) are most willing to sacrifice benefits for higher pay…
… while older workers (55+) are significantly less willing to do so, suggesting they value their existing benefits more.
See all the results from our survey and use this guide to make informed decisions on salaries and benefits in the HR sector for 2026.
Download your copy now.
