A strong economy is the foundation for outstanding opportunities in human resources careers in Colorado. In fact, as of 2018, Colorado’s economy grew at a faster clip than almost any other state in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
As a result, many HR occupations in Colorado are projected to see double-digit increases in the number of jobs between 2016 and 2026, like training managers (18.9 percent increase), HR specialists (17.6 percent increase), and compensation and benefits managers (15.8 percent increase).
How to Land a High-Paying HR Job in Colorado
HR managerial positions often offer the highest paying jobs in this competitive field. However, these jobs are not easily attainable, as candidates must be armed with the proper degree, work experience, and certification. As such, HR professionals who intend to pursue supervisory, directorial, and executive roles should consider:
- Earning a field-related graduate degree like a Master’s of Business Administration in Human Resources
- Using volunteer opportunities, paid jobs, and internships to build a strong work history
- Becoming a certified human resources professional through a certifying body like the Society for Human Resources Management
Human Resources Manager Salaries in Colorado
HR management positions in Colorado come with six-figures salaries at the median level. For example, compensation and benefits managers in Colorado earn a median salary of $152,150, while HR managers earn a median salary of $129,880.
The following tables provide a closer look at what HR management professionals in Colorado’s largest metro areas of Denver and Colorado Springs can expect to earn:
Denver
The highest paid compensation and benefits managers are in Denver, where they earn a median salary of $155,600. Still, HR management positions at the median level in both Denver and Colorado Springs revealed median salaries that were well into the six figures.
Colorado Springs
While HR management professionals earn less in Colorado Springs than in Denver, these pros still earn competitive salaries. For example, HR managers in Colorado Springs earn a median salary of $111,270, which is in line with the national median of $113,300 for these professionals.
Human Resources Specialist and Assistant Salaries in Colorado
HR specialist jobs in Colorado’s largest metro areas of Denver and Colorado Springs come with competitive salaries. For example, while Colorado’s median salary for training and development specialists is $67,290, these same professionals earn a median salary of $71,360 in Denver.
A more detailed look at what HR specialists and assistants can expect to earn in Colorado’s largest metro areas of Denver and Colorado Springs is available through the following tables:
Denver
The median salary for labor relations specialists in Denver is $78,180, beating out the state’s median salary of $77,030 for these professionals.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs’ HR specialists earn the top median salary among human resources specialists and assistants in the state, at $61,870, while training and development specialists in the top 10% earn the most at this level, at $103,500.
Salary and employment data compiled by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2018 for human resources managers, specialists, and assistants – https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm#11-9111. The BLS salary data shown here represents median – 90th percentile salary ranges for the state and its MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries.
Job growth projections sourced from the Colorado Department of Labor and published in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Long Term Occupational Projections (2016-2026) database – https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in October 2019.