Southern HR leaders earn the most – but clock longest hours  

But the higher wages come with longer working hours, according to new ONS data analysed by Ciphr.

The research reveals a striking 51% pay gap between the highest and lowest-paid HR managers and directors across the UK, with London-based professionals commanding the highest wages at £35.38 per hour (approximately £68,807 annually). This is nearly £24,000 more than their peers in Wales, who sit at the bottom of the pay scale.

The capital’s dominance in HR remuneration extends beyond leadership roles, with London-based HR officers and industrial relations specialists earning an average of £20.91 hourly (£40,775 annually), significantly above the national average of £18.41 per hour.

However, these higher earnings come at a cost. HR leaders in the South East clock the longest hours at 37.5 per week (1,950 hours annually), closely followed by London at 37.4 hours. In contrast, Scottish HR leaders enjoy the shortest working week at 36.1 hours.

Regional Pay Breakdown for HR Leaders:

London: £68,807 South East: £64,409 South West: £61,067 UK average: £59,413 Wales: £44,964

Claire Williams, Chief People and Operating Officer at Ciphr, emphasises that while these figures provide valuable benchmarking data, other factors must be considered:

"Salary can vary considerably depending on the size and type of an organisation, seniority and skillset, critical functions, and contribution to business outcomes. Any salary benchmarking must also take into account the cost of living across different UK regions."

The findings highlight the persistent north-south divide in HR remuneration, raising questions about regional pay equity and work-life balance in the profession.