National Salary Overview
VS
Human Resources Managers earns $3,839 more (2.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$138,550
$134,711
Average (Mean) Salary
$151,022
$160,797
Total Employment
220,670
754,500
States with Higher Pay
33
18
Salary by State: Human Resources Managers vs Lawyers
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Human Resources Managers pays more in 33 states; Lawyers pays more in 18.
| State | Human Resources Managers | Lawyers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $113,210 | $131,970 | $-18,760 | ||
| Alaska | $129,570 | $149,940 | $-20,370 | ||
| Arizona | $139,820 | $134,260 | +$5,560 | ||
| Arkansas | $108,580 | $98,880 | +$9,700 | ||
| California | $170,080 | $195,080 | $-25,000 | ||
| Colorado | $166,400 | $168,520 | $-2,120 | ||
| Connecticut | $165,930 | $163,600 | +$2,330 | ||
| Delaware | $153,890 | $173,510 | $-19,620 | ||
| District of Columbia | $184,350 | $195,190 | $-10,840 | ||
| Florida | $137,790 | $133,180 | +$4,610 | ||
| Georgia | $150,700 | $134,830 | +$15,870 | ||
| Hawaii | $128,910 | $124,990 | +$3,920 | ||
| Idaho | $119,990 | $103,400 | +$16,590 | ||
| Illinois | $151,370 | $160,800 | $-9,430 | ||
| Indiana | $130,340 | $126,860 | +$3,480 | ||
| Iowa | $126,370 | $123,550 | +$2,820 | ||
| Kansas | $134,470 | $106,650 | +$27,820 | ||
| Kentucky | $121,460 | $101,550 | +$19,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $107,880 | $104,100 | +$3,780 | ||
| Maine | $129,720 | $113,120 | +$16,600 | ||
| Maryland | $152,770 | $139,110 | +$13,660 | ||
| Massachusetts | $181,780 | $176,680 | +$5,100 | ||
| Michigan | $138,930 | $130,520 | +$8,410 | ||
| Minnesota | $153,770 | $155,140 | $-1,370 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,100 | $91,690 | +$14,410 | ||
| Missouri | $130,680 | $133,450 | $-2,770 | ||
| Montana | $115,280 | $103,720 | +$11,560 | ||
| Nebraska | $129,460 | $109,170 | +$20,290 | ||
| Nevada | $128,550 | $150,510 | $-21,960 | ||
| New Hampshire | $135,000 | $120,810 | +$14,190 | ||
| New Jersey | $172,440 | $161,430 | +$11,010 | ||
| New Mexico | $118,070 | $119,680 | $-1,610 | ||
| New York | $176,650 | $207,860 | $-31,210 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,990 | $127,710 | +$15,280 | ||
| North Dakota | $139,050 | $106,880 | +$32,170 | ||
| Ohio | $130,480 | $131,020 | $-540 | ||
| Oklahoma | $116,080 | $103,060 | +$13,020 | ||
| Oregon | $140,570 | $138,210 | +$2,360 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $133,060 | $157,180 | $-24,120 | ||
| Rhode Island | $167,110 | $138,960 | +$28,150 | ||
| South Carolina | $124,290 | $120,310 | +$3,980 | ||
| South Dakota | $117,930 | $102,040 | +$15,890 | ||
| Tennessee | $131,760 | $136,180 | $-4,420 | ||
| Texas | $136,500 | $154,200 | $-17,700 | ||
| Utah | $131,380 | $132,830 | $-1,450 | ||
| Vermont | $132,050 | $127,310 | +$4,740 | ||
| Virginia | $165,980 | $167,210 | $-1,230 | ||
| Washington | $165,530 | $154,130 | +$11,400 | ||
| West Virginia | $120,020 | $102,420 | +$17,600 | ||
| Wisconsin | $133,490 | $126,760 | +$6,730 | ||
| Wyoming | $127,520 | $100,130 | +$27,390 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Human Resources Managers vs Lawyers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Human Resources Managers or Lawyers?
On average across all states, a Human Resources Managers earns more than a Lawyers. The national median salary difference is $3,839 (2.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Human Resources Managers earn more than a Lawyers?
A Human Resources Managers earns a higher median salary than a Lawyers in 33 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Lawyers pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Human Resources Managers vs Lawyers?
The national median salary for a Human Resources Managers is $138,550 per year, compared to $134,711 for a Lawyers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Human Resources Managers or Lawyers?
There are more people employed as Lawyers. BLS reports approximately 220,670 Human Resources Managers positions and 754,500 Lawyers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Human Resources Managers or Lawyers?
Both Human Resources Managers and Lawyers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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