Demand among companies in the UK for top HR professionals remains very strong, and this is helping to ensure that salaries for those professionals stay healthy.
This finding is taken from the Salary Guide for 2026 published by LHH, a talent solutions firm. What the report found was that close to one third of UK companies – 31% to be exact – are currently trying to recruit top HR people. Another 40% of the companies that took part in the report said that they were recruiting for HR, but with a bit more caution. Just 16% of them said that they were putting HR recruitment on hold or letting people go.
As a result of that, salaries for senior HR professionals remain at a healthy level. The Salary Guide shows that it is HR directors and chief HR officers who are earning the most. Average salaries for those roles stand at £136,300 and £156,800 respectively.
Therefore, while the guide emphasises the continued importance of HR to companies, it also highlights what a big investment it can be – especially for smaller firms. Some companies are opting to outsource to HR services in Northampton and other areas, so they can get the benefits with reduced costs.
Speaking to Personnel Today, Louise Sorrell from LHH said:
“For employers, it’s no longer about filling a vacancy, it’s about finding someone who can future-proof the function. And for candidates, the most successful ones are those who can demonstrate commercial impact, not just HR expertise.”
Other high earning positions within the industry include Head of HR and Head of DEI.