The human resources sector in France is constantly evolving, both in terms of responsibilities and remuneration. Let’s take a look at the average salaries of HR professionals in France, as well as the trends and developments shaping this dynamic market.
Overview of HR salaries in France
Average salaries in human resources vary considerably according to the position held and the experience acquired. In 2024, the following trends can be observed:
- Human resources manager: €39,400 gross/year
- HR Assistant: €35,200 gross/year
- Human Resources Director: €77,900 gross/year
- Recruitment manager: €52,400 gross/year
- HR/HRBP Manager: €58,000 gross/year
It’s worth pointing out that the median salary for HR jobs in France is €30,000 gross per year, or around €16.48 gross per hour. This figure provides a valuable benchmark for assessing remuneration in this sector.
Salary differentials can be explained by professional experience. A beginner can expect to earn around €24,536 gross per year, while an experienced professional can reach up to €49,750 gross per year.
Salary trends by experience and position
Salary progression in the HR professions is significant over the course of a career. Here’s an overview of possible progressions:
| Position | Beginning of career | After 15 years |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment manager | 32 000 – 35 000 € | 50 000 – 65 000 € |
| Recruitment manager | 45 000 – 50 000 € | 75 000 – 95 000 € |
| Training manager | 28 000 – 32 000 € | 50 000 – 55 000 € |
| Compensation manager | 40 000 – 45 000 € | 65 000 – 85 000 € |
HR assistants generally start at between €25,000 and €28,000 gross per year, rising to €35,000 to €38,000 after 5 to 10 years’ experience. HR managers, meanwhile, can see their salaries rise from €32,000 to €55,000 depending on seniority.
At the top of the hierarchy, HR directors enjoy particularly marked salary progression. An entry-level HR manager can expect to earn €70,000 – €75,000 gross per annum, while after 15 years’ experience, the range extends from €120,000 to €200,000 gross per annum.
Factors influencing HR salaries in France
A number of factors contribute to the variation in HR salaries:
- Geographical location: HR salaries are generally higher in the Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes, Nord, PACA and South-West regions.
- Sector of activity: Some sectors offer more attractive remuneration packages, notably :
- Financial services
- New technologies
- Energy
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Consulting and auditing
- Company size: Large organizations are often able to offer higher salaries than SMEs.
- Specialization: Certain areas of expertise, such as payroll management or specialized recruitment, can justify higher salaries.
It’s important to stress that market demand plays a crucial role in salary trends. Currently, the most sought-after HR profiles are :
- Payroll and ADP managers
- Recruitment officers and managers
- HR managers
- HR assistants
- Training officers and managers
This high demand for certain profiles can have a positive impact on the salaries offered.
Future prospects for HR salaries
The evolution of the HR job market in France suggests certain trends for the future:
- Digitization: HR professionals proficient in digital tools and data analysis could enjoy higher salaries.
- Talent management: In a context of “talent wars”, recruitment and retention experts should see their value increase.
- CSR and well-being at work: Skills in social responsibility and quality of life at work will be increasingly valued.
- Diversity and inclusion management: Professionals capable of promoting these values could benefit from a salary bonus.
Finally, the average HR salary in France reflects the diversity and complexity of the sector. Human resources professionals have excellent prospects for salary advancement, particularly if they develop skills in line with emerging market needs. The key to success lies in constantly adapting to the new technologies and societal issues shaping the modern world of work.