Overview of HR salaries
Salaries for HR managers in France vary considerably according to experience, company size and geographical location.
According to global statistics, the salary of a HR Director in France ranges from €45,000 to €120,000 gross per year.
The median salary is around €80,000 gross per year (excluding bonuses).
In 80% of HR job offers published on APECthe gross annual salary (fixed + variable) offered is between €43,000 and €95,000, with an average of €69,000.
Compared to other European countries, HR salaries in France are generally higher than in Spain or Italy, but slightly lower than in the UK or Germany.
Sources for this data include sector reports such as those published by Apec and specialist recruitment agencies, which provide detailed analyses of salary trends according to years of experience and responsibilities held.
Source https://abakafe.abaka.fr/conseils-carriere-et-evolution-professionelle/salaires-cadres-poste-direction-2017-france/
Salary of an entry-level HR manager
An entry-level HR manager, usually with a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management or equivalent, starts his or her career with a solid theoretical understanding of HR practices, complemented by a few years’ practical experience, often as an HR manager or consultant.
The salary range for an entry-level HRD in France is generally between €45,000 and €70,000 gross per annum.
This figure may vary depending on a number of factors.
For example, a HR manager who has completed a prestigious training program, or who has gained initial experience in a large group, will be able to claim a higher salary.
The sector of activity also plays an important role: industries such as finance or technology often offer higher salaries than those in the public or voluntary sectors.
Regional variations also influence the salaries of entry-level HR managers.
In Paris and Île-de-France, salaries are often higher than in other regions, due to the cost of living and the concentration of large companies.
On the other hand, in less economically dynamic regions, such as parts of the Centre or Nord regions, salaries tend to be lower.
The salary of a senior HR manager
A senior HR manager generally has around ten years’ experience, and has often risen through the corporate ranks or acquired valuable expertise in several sectors.
This profile includes the management of HR teams, the development of complex HR strategies, and active participation on the executive committee.
The salary range for a senior HR manager is between €70,000 and €150,000 gross per annum, or even more in some cases.
Several factors influence remuneration, including years of experience, the extent of responsibilities (management of several sites, large workforce), the size of the company and the international dimension of the position.
HR managers in large multinationals, listed companies and international operations generally earn between €90 and €140,000.
Regional variations also play a role for experienced HRDs, with higher salaries in Paris and major metropolitan areas, as for entry-level HRDs.
Salary variations by company size: focus on SMEs
Company size is a determining factor in HR compensation.
In large companies, HR salaries are often higher due to the complexity and scope of assignments, as well as greater financial resources.
In SMEs, on the other hand, salaries tend to be more modest, although the role of the HRD is just as crucial.
In a large company, an HR Director can expect a salary of up to €150,000 gross per annum, particularly if he or she oversees a large HR department and plays an active role in the company’s strategic decisions.
On the other hand, in an SME, an HRD’s salary will be between €60,000 and €90,000 gross per year.
However, the role in an SME is often more versatile, with the HR Director having to manage both the operational and strategic aspects of human resources.
HR managers in SMEs are essential for structuring growth, managing talent and ensuring legal compliance, while maintaining a healthy working environment.
They often have to juggle limited budgets, which makes their mission all the more complex, but also essential to the company’s long-term survival.
How can you benefit from a competent HRD without breaking the bank?
For SMEs that can’t afford to recruit a full-time HR Director, time-sharing is an ideal solution.
Time-sharing allows a company to benefit from the skills of an experienced HR manager without incurring the cost of a full-time salary.
This approach is particularly advantageous for growing companies with specific HR needs, but not enough activity to justify a full-time position.
There are many advantages to using a time-share HR Director: he or she brings in-depth expertise in HR issues, adapts to the company’s specific needs, and enables effective strategies to be put in place in terms of recruitment, talent management and legal compliance.
What’s more, this solution is flexible and can be adjusted as your business evolves.
A concrete example of success is that of an SME in the industrial sector which, thanks to a time-sharing HRD, was able to structure its HR policy, reduce turnover and improve its employer brand, all within a controlled budget.
For companies looking to optimize their budget while benefiting from the expertise of an experienced HR manager, opting for the services of a timeshare HRD is an excellent solution.
In a nutshell
Knowing the salary ranges for HR managers helps you recruit effectively and retain the best talent.
HR salaries vary according to experience, company size and location.
For small and medium-sized companies, a timeshare HRD represents an effective alternative for accessing quality HR expertise without compromising budget or taking the risk of recruitment.
Knowing the salaries of HRDs and the alternatives available enables companies to better structure their HR strategy: recruit or outsource the skills to meet the organization’s needs.