Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Human Resources Managers

Median Salary
$127,129
Average (Mean)
$139,709
Employed Nationwide
200,580
VS

Sales Managers

Median Salary
$132,268
Average (Mean)
$149,870
Employed Nationwide
572,710
Sales Managers earns $5,138 more (4.0%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $127,129 $132,268
Average (Mean) Salary $139,709 $149,870
Total Employment 200,580 572,710
States with Higher Pay 17 34

Salary by State: Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers

Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Human Resources Managers pays more in 17 states; Sales Managers pays more in 34.

State Human Resources Managers Sales Managers Difference
Alabama $106,510
$117,750
$-11,240
Alaska $117,580
$93,050
+$24,530
Arizona $128,140
$122,880
+$5,260
Arkansas $97,380
$121,820
$-24,440
California $166,920
$131,740
+$35,180
Colorado $149,340
$176,700
$-27,360
Connecticut $141,070
$135,920
+$5,150
Delaware $147,720
$186,120
$-38,400
District of Columbia $171,220
$138,680
+$32,540
Florida $120,270
$128,810
$-8,540
Georgia $131,970
$141,720
$-9,750
Hawaii $111,250
$117,680
$-6,430
Idaho $109,180
$109,530
$-350
Illinois $132,170
$135,680
$-3,510
Indiana $123,930
$117,500
+$6,430
Iowa $117,630
$129,080
$-11,450
Kansas $127,330
$147,800
$-20,470
Kentucky $111,130
$109,300
+$1,830
Louisiana $99,120
$107,340
$-8,220
Maine $123,160
$100,400
+$22,760
Maryland $142,190
$125,600
+$16,590
Massachusetts $170,840
$156,360
+$14,480
Michigan $125,650
$141,620
$-15,970
Minnesota $143,800
$134,290
+$9,510
Mississippi $91,460
$107,750
$-16,290
Missouri $119,430
$111,400
+$8,030
Montana $106,220
$120,820
$-14,600
Nebraska $121,890
$116,470
+$5,420
Nevada $92,040
$103,000
$-10,960
New Hampshire $134,740
$145,000
$-10,260
New Jersey $167,880
$170,690
$-2,810
New Mexico $114,980
$105,010
+$9,970
New York $175,620
$214,010
$-38,390
North Carolina $129,960
$125,270
+$4,690
North Dakota $119,010
$119,960
$-950
Ohio $125,170
$134,440
$-9,270
Oklahoma $107,510
$122,000
$-14,490
Oregon $130,820
$125,890
+$4,930
Pennsylvania $127,830
$130,600
$-2,770
Rhode Island $150,820
$158,600
$-7,780
South Carolina $111,200
$122,820
$-11,620
South Dakota $109,960
$161,470
$-51,510
Tennessee $117,820
$132,830
$-15,010
Texas $130,260
$127,560
+$2,700
Utah $115,400
$130,220
$-14,820
Vermont $114,830
$129,280
$-14,450
Virginia $157,430
$158,000
$-570
Washington $163,850
$169,680
$-5,830
West Virginia $103,730
$103,870
$-140
Wisconsin $128,830
$134,120
$-5,290
Wyoming $99,420
$137,560
$-38,140

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Human Resources Managers or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Sales Managers earns more than a Human Resources Managers. The national median salary difference is $5,138 (4.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Human Resources Managers earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Human Resources Managers earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 17 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 34 states.
What is the median salary for a Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Human Resources Managers is $127,129 per year, compared to $132,268 for a Sales Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Human Resources Managers or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 200,580 Human Resources Managers positions and 572,710 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Human Resources Managers or Sales Managers?
Both Human Resources Managers and Sales Managers 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.