Human Resources Salaries from CIPD Level 3 to Level 7 in 2024

Are you considering a career in HR (human resources)? Or are you already an HR professional looking to take the next step in your career? If so, you may have heard about the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) qualifications and the different levels they offer.

Have you ever wondered what average salary you can expect at each level? Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we will reveal key insights into what typical salaries each CIPD level has.

Explore career prospects and the average salary, from entry-level positions with CIPD Level 3 to CIPD Level 7. Doing so can give you a better understanding of the earning potential in the human resources field.

As an HR professional, your salary is crucial for financial stability and reflects your expertise and credibility in the industry. With that in mind, let's dive into human resources salary and discover the potential CIPD qualifications can offer regarding career progression and remuneration.

How can I become an HR professional?

Venturing into the role of an HR Manager isn't merely about stepping up the career ladder; it's about embracing a pivotal role in shaping an organisation's strategic direction. This journey involves a combination of education, practical experience, and continuous learning.

Let's unpack the key steps to elevate your career to this esteemed position.

1. Earn professional qualifications

2. Gain HR or relevant experience

3. Develop Management Skills

4. Stay Informed and Updated to HR Trends

What do HR professionals do?

Many perceive Human Resources as a department solely focused on payroll and administrative tasks, but this understanding barely scratches the surface of what HR truly encompasses. In reality, human resources play a broad scope and many pivotal roles crucial to an organisation's success.

Let's debunk the common misconception and shed light on the diverse responsibilities HR professionals shoulder:

• Recruitment and Staffing: This involves identifying, attracting, conducting interviews, and selecting candidates who align with the company's values and needs.

• Training and Development: Providing training opportunities to employees for skill enhancement and career growth.

• Performance Management: This includes staff development and implementing performance management systems to assess and improve employee performance.

• Employee Relations: Acting as a liaison between the management and employees, resolving conflicts and fostering a positive work environment.

• Managing Staff Resources: Overseeing employee relations, payroll, benefits, preparing budgets, and training programmes to attract and retain talent.

• Legal Compliance: Ensuring the organisation complies with all employment laws and regulations.

• Strategic Planning: Align HR strategies with day-to-day management to achieve overall business goals that drive organisational success.

Besides being just a support function, HR is integral to shaping the company culture, driving employee engagement, and steering the organisation towards its strategic objectives. If you aspire to be in HR, you must have the proper knowledge and skills to perform those responsibilities.

CIPD Level and Estimated Average Salaries

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers a range of courses aimed at professionals in the HR and Learning & Development (L&D) fields. If you aim to climb the HR career ladder, understanding the relationship between CIPD qualifications and their average salary expectations is crucial.

Each step up the CIPD qualifications not only enhances new skills and knowledge base but also opens doors to new opportunities and financial rewards in the diverse and dynamic field of HR.

If you want to earn a higher salary, you don't want to miss completing a CIPD-level course. Below, you can see on the average salary per CIPD level that better skills and qualifications typically mean a higher salary. Below are the CIPD qualifications you can take and the positions you can apply for when you complete them

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

This CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate provides you with people practice fundamentals. This CIPD level suits you if you're new to HR or learning and development (L&D) or want to switch careers in these fields. The typical CIPD Level 3 salary and positions include entry-level HR roles such as follows:

• L&D or HR Assistant: £25,000-£30,000
• HR Administrator: £25,000-£30,000
• OD or HR Officer/Coordinator: £28,000-£35,000
• Other HR entry-level roles: £25,000+

After completing Level 3, you can now achieve a "CIPD Foundation" status after your name and apply to become a Foundation Member.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Qualifications

This diploma is designed for those with prior experience in people management, HR, or L&D or those who want to advance their position in management but want to get their skills certified. There are two options:

Associate Diploma in People Management

This CIPD qualification suits individuals with experience in HR or related fields or those with a relevant degree and limited knowledge. This qualification is a stepping stone if you aim to be in positions like a manager or HR business partner. The average CIPD Level 5 salary and potential roles are as follows:

• HR Business Partner or Manager: £30,000-£65,000
• People or HR Analyst: £30,000-£60,000
• Compensation Specialist: £35,000-£80,000
• Reward and Benefits Manager: £30,000-£60,000
• HR Advisor: £35,000-£65,000
• Talent Manager/Partner: £30,000-£80,000

Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development

This CIPD qualification is suitable for those with some L&D experience, those new to L&D but with a degree in a relevant field, or those with experience in training and development outside of a formal L&D role.

• L&D Business Partner or Manager: £60,000-80,000
• L&D Consultant: £35,000-£50,000
• Organisation Design Specialist: £30,000-£60,000
• Organisational Development Business Partner: £30,000-£60,000
• Employee Experience Manager: £30,000-£55,000

Choosing the right course:

The best option for your CIPD Level 5 depends on your career goals and interests. If you're passionate about people management and want to develop your HR skills, the People Management diploma is a good choice.

If you're more interested in helping employees learn and grow through training and development programs, then the Organisational Learning and Development diploma is a better fit. Completing either CIPD Level 5 qualifies you to apply for Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD).

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma

This CIPD qualification is designed for senior roles within HR, such as HR director and other top-tier positions. This level covers strategic HR management, including developing strategies for people practice and improving performance across different industries.

This qualification is comparable to a postgraduate degree and potentially leads to a Chartered Membership of the CIPD (MCIPD) with relevant experience. The average CIPD Level 7 salary and professionals taking this course typically progress to the following senior roles:

• Senior HR Business Partner: £55,000-£90,000
• Senior HR Advisor: £55,000-£70,000
• Head of HR: £65,000-£90,000
• Head of Learning and Development: £55,000-£80,000
• HR Director: £70,000-£150,000

*Average yearly salary can vary significantly, but top-end salaries for positions like HR Directors can reach up to £100,000 or more.

*Average Salary data is mostly based on the Hays UK Salary 2024 guide. Salary rates may differ for different industries and locations.

Where can I enrol on a CIPD course?

At e-Careers we offer a premium quality CIPD learning experience. If you enrol on one of our CIPD qualifications, you'll also get a chance to enjoy many student benefits:

• Accreditation

  e-Careers is an accredited CIPD provider, ensuring courses meet the high standards of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. This means your qualifications are recognised and respected within the HR industry.

• Flexibility and accessibility

  We offer a combination of online learning and optional live classes for flexible study at your own pace, which is ideal if you want to balance working or having a busy lifestyle.

• Range of HR courses

  We have various CIPD qualification levels available, from Foundation to Diploma courses, catering to different experience levels and career goals.

• World-class learning platform

  Our industry-leading eLearning platform and support from expert tutors will help enhance your learning experience and get your qualification.

• Reputation and track record

  e-Careers has a prestigious history in online learning. We're an award-winning, trusted leader in the industry.

• Exclusive benefits for e-Careers students

  • TOTUM PRO Student Discount Card: Access various discounts and deals across dining, fashion, tech, travel, and essentials.
  • Growth Masterclasses: Receive exclusive masterclasses with expert career coaches designed to equip you with the skills to become a highly employable HR professional. This includes creating a tailored CV and improving your interview skills.
  • Save 20% discount on CIPD textbooks: Get a discount when you purchase through the bookshop at Kogan Page.
  • Study hub: Access a dedicated study hub with all the necessary resources to support you and help you pass the course.
  • Career guidance: Get personalised career guidance from our team to help you achieve your HR goals.

By enrolling with us, you'll gain access to a comprehensive and supportive learning environment that sets you up for success in your HR career. Contact us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or visit our Human Resources page.