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Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Human Resources Managers

Median Salary
$138,550
Average (Mean)
$151,022
Employed Nationwide
220,670
VS

Sales Managers

Median Salary
$139,365
Average (Mean)
$154,352
Employed Nationwide
623,030
Sales Managers earns $814 more (0.6%)
Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Human Resources ManagersHuman Resources ManagersHuman Resources Managers: $138,551$138,551Sales ManagersSales ManagersSales Managers: $139,365$139,365

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $138,550 $139,365
Average (Mean) Salary $151,022 $154,352
Total Employment 220,670 623,030
States with Higher Pay 20 30

Salary by State: Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers

Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Human Resources Managers pays more in 20 states; Sales Managers pays more in 30.

State Human Resources Managers Sales Managers Difference
Alabama $113,210
$124,040
$-10,830
Alaska $129,570
$98,860
+$30,710
Arizona $139,820
$145,690
$-5,870
Arkansas $108,580
$108,330
+$250
California $170,080
$134,910
+$35,170
Colorado $166,400
$180,850
$-14,450
Connecticut $165,930
$162,110
+$3,820
District of Columbia $184,350
$141,800
+$42,550
Florida $137,790
$131,900
+$5,890
Georgia $150,700
$159,890
$-9,190
Hawaii $128,910
$116,340
+$12,570
Idaho $119,990
$135,350
$-15,360
Illinois $151,370
$155,280
$-3,910
Indiana $130,340
$131,470
$-1,130
Iowa $126,370
$134,010
$-7,640
Kansas $134,470
$159,990
$-25,520
Kentucky $121,460
$128,650
$-7,190
Louisiana $107,880
$110,700
$-2,820
Maine $129,720
$158,660
$-28,940
Maryland $152,770
$137,150
+$15,620
Massachusetts $181,780
$191,200
$-9,420
Michigan $138,930
$136,870
+$2,060
Minnesota $153,770
$151,670
+$2,100
Mississippi $106,100
$108,750
$-2,650
Missouri $130,680
$115,370
+$15,310
Montana $115,280
$117,390
$-2,110
Nebraska $129,460
$126,990
+$2,470
Nevada $128,550
$109,790
+$18,760
New Hampshire $135,000
$141,900
$-6,900
New Jersey $172,440
$173,020
$-580
New Mexico $118,070
$114,080
+$3,990
New York $176,650
$217,640
$-40,990
North Carolina $142,990
$150,470
$-7,480
North Dakota $139,050
$119,990
+$19,060
Ohio $130,480
$135,510
$-5,030
Oklahoma $116,080
$128,920
$-12,840
Oregon $140,570
$155,810
$-15,240
Pennsylvania $133,060
$130,610
+$2,450
Rhode Island $167,110
$154,970
+$12,140
South Carolina $124,290
$131,080
$-6,790
South Dakota $117,930
$136,360
$-18,430
Tennessee $131,760
$128,040
+$3,720
Texas $136,500
$136,020
+$480
Utah $131,380
$136,520
$-5,140
Vermont $132,050
$138,650
$-6,600
Virginia $165,980
$191,130
$-25,150
Washington $165,530
$174,000
$-8,470
West Virginia $120,020
$94,830
+$25,190
Wisconsin $133,490
$134,870
$-1,380
Wyoming $127,520
$129,840
$-2,320

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $814 (0.6%) based on 2025 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 20 out of 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 30 states.
What is the median salary for a Human Resources Managers vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Human Resources Managers is $138,550 per year, compared to $139,365 for a Sales Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Human Resources Managers or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 220,670 Human Resources Managers positions and 623,030 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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