Human Resources Career Path and Salary in Australia
Discover the human resources career path in Australia, from entry-level HR roles to executive positions. Learn about responsibilities, salaries, and more.
If you are thinking about building a career in human resources, you are not alone — and it's a fantastic option. Businesses constantly need skilled professionals to manage people, create inclusive work environments, and support employee development.
This blog explores the human resources career path in Australia, including job roles, responsibilities, and salary expectations.
What Is Human Resources?
Human resources (HR) refers to the department within a company that manages employee-related processes. HR professionals recruit, hire, train, and support employees. They ensure workplace compliance and nurture a positive work culture. People in HR roles also address conflicts, put into action employee development programs, manage compensation and benefits, and more.
HR Roles and Responsibilities
Different roles in human resources come with different responsibilities, but they all contribute to a company's success by supporting the organisation and its employees. These are some of the main areas HR is responsible for.
Recruitment and Onboarding
This involves finding, interviewing, and hiring the right talent. HR professionals post jobs, review applications, do interviews, and make job offers. Entry-level HR positions often begin with tasks like these.
Once candidates are hired, human resources facilitates a smooth onboarding process and introduces new employees to the company culture, policies, and expectations.
Employee Relations
HR is pivotal in resolving workplace conflicts and cultivating an uplifting environment. That includes addressing grievances, mediating disputes, and promoting open communication.
Through managing employee relations effectively, HR helps maintain a harmonious place of business where employees feel valued and respected.
Performance Management
Setting goals, giving feedback, and pushing employees to reach their potential are key responsibilities.
HR designs appraisal systems, conducts evaluations, and works with managers to develop improvement plans. Continuous feedback keeps team members in line with company objectives in their roles.
Training and Development
HR professionals are responsible for helping employees grow professionally through training programs. They identify skill gaps, design training modules, and conduct workshops and online courses. By investing in developing employees, HR arms the workforce to handle future challenges.
HR Compliance
Ensuring companies follow employment laws and regulations is a critical aspect of human resources. Businesses must stay updated with labour laws for safety and managing employee records.
Compliance mitigates legal risks and promotes an ethical workplace. For those looking into HR opportunities in Australia, understanding local regulations is crucial.
Human resources professionals play an important role in building a productive and successful workforce for the growth and success of a company. Their diverse responsibilities make them indispensable to organisations.
Human Resources Career Path in Australia
The human resources career path in Australia typically begins with entry-level HR roles. It then moves towards specialised or management positions. Each level brings its own set of responsibilities and opportunities for advancement.
Entry-Level HR Roles
These posts focus on admin tasks and support functions, such as onboarding new staff, maintaining staff records, and making sure the company complies with workplace laws.
The entry-level HR salary Australia offers is competitive. That makes it an attractive starting point for those new to human resources careers.
Mid-Level HR Positions
As you gain experience, you may take on roles like HR advisor or specialist, where you will manage specific areas like recruitment, employee relations, and/or training and development.
Pursuing human resource courses can enhance your skills and open doors to various careers in human resource management.
Senior Roles in HR
Once in a position of seniority or authority, such as HR manager or HR business partner (assuming this is the intended career path), you will work strategically to align people processes with business goals.
HR qualifications in Australia are well respected, helping professionals advance to these senior positions.
Executive Roles
Becoming a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or director of people and culture is often the pinnacle of a human resources career. These leadership roles command a higher HR salary and a lot of influence within organisations. They drive strategic initiatives and foster a productive and positive workplace.
Navigating the above career paths can lead to a fulfilling and impactful journey in the field of human resources.
Qualifications You Need to Work in HR in Australia
To start a career in HR, you must have the right qualifications and skills:
HR qualifications in Australia: A human resource course, like the Certificate IV in Human Resources Management, is a great starting point. It covers recruitment, workplace safety, performance management, and plenty more.
Diploma qualifications: For those aiming for more senior roles, a diploma in HR or business management can be valuable.
Soft skills: Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and empathy are all essential.
Work experience: Internships or entry-level HR positions equip you with real-world experience.
Swinburne Open Education (SOE) offers flexible online courses, so you can study while working or managing other commitments.
Human Resources Salary in Australia
Knowing what you can earn in HR helps you plan your career. Salaries vary depending on your experience, location, and role.
Entry-level HR salary in Australia: This ranges between $60,000 and $70,000 annually.
Mid-level HR professionals: Average earnings range from $80,000 to $100,000 per year.
Senior HR roles: Salaries often exceed $120,000, with some executive positions paying well over $150,000 annually.
The high average HR salary in Australia reflects the importance of HR professionals in businesses today.
For more information on employment trends and data, visit Jobs and Skills Australia.
Also see: How to Get a HR Job & Salary Guide in Australia.
HR Opportunities in Australia
The demand for HR professionals is on the rise, with employment projected to grow by 15.7% between 2024 and 2034. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and education are especially keen on hiring skilled HR experts.
Whether you are starting your career or vying for a leadership role, Australia's job market offers many opportunities.
Career FAQs
Yes, human resources management is a good career. It’s a rewarding field that offers personal and professional growth, as well as work satisfaction. You get to help businesses thrive while supporting employees’ well-being.
To work in HR in Australia, you must complete a nationally recognised human resource course. Our Certificate IV in Human Resources Management is ideal for starting your career, then you can study further. Many roles also require experience.
The typical HR career path in Australia starts with entry-level roles like HR Assistant and progresses to mid-level positions such as HR Advisor or Talent Acquisition Specialist. From there, it leads to senior roles like HR Manager and can culminate in executive positions like Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
You get into human resources careers by enrolling in a relevant accredited course and completing it. Then, you work on developing soft skills and gain practical experience through internships or junior HR roles.
Take the Next Step in Your HR Career
Are you interested in starting a human resources career or considering getting into careers in human resource management? Swinburne Open Education offers flexible, industry-designed courses to help you achieve your professional goals.
Visit our website and contact us today to learn more about our Certificate IV in Human Resources Management and get expert advice.
Start building your future with HR qualifications that fit around your life!