Top HR Jobs You Can Get with SHRM Certification
Earning a SHRM certification is a powerful way to boost your career in human resource management.
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credentials validate your HR expertise, demonstrating your ability to apply HR principles effectively in today’s workplace.
These certifications are widely recognized by employers and can be a game-changer when it comes time to career growth.
Whether you’re just starting your HR journey or aiming for an executive role, SHRM certification opens doors to numerous opportunities.
Certified professionals often enjoy benefits such as higher salaries, leadership positions, more benefits and increased job security. If you want to stand out in the competitive HR job market, pursuing SHRM certification is a smart investment in your present and your future.
Why SHRM Certification Matters for HR Careers
In the HR field, credibility is everything. Employers seek professionals who have a deep understanding of HR best practices, labor laws, and strategic workforce management.
SHRM certification proves that you are passionate about and have mastered these essential skills and are ready to take on significant HR responsibilities.
Additionally, SHRM certification keeps you updated on evolving HR trends and compliance requirements.
The HR certification ensures that over time, you remain a knowledgeable and valuable asset to any organization. For HR professionals looking to advance, the value of completing the SHRM certification provides the competitive edge needed to secure promotions and leadership roles.
Find out: Is SHRM Recognized Globally?
How SHRM Certification Sets You Apart in the HR Job Market
With so many HR professionals with master’s degree competing for top jobs, standing out can be challenging. SHRM certification gives you a distinct advantage.
The HR certification signals to employers that you have met rigorous industry standards and are committed to continuous learning, education and professional development.
Many companies prefer or even require SHRM-certified candidates for leadership roles. HR professionals with SHRM certification are often considered for promotions faster than their non-certified peers.
In a job market where employers prioritize proven expertise, having SHRM certification on your resume can be the key to landing your dream job in human resource management.
How SHRM Certification Enhances Your HR Job Prospects
SHRM certification has a direct impact on your career trajectory. Here’s how it improves your job prospects:
- Better Hiring Potential: Employers are more likely to choose SHRM-certified candidates for key HR roles.
- Higher Salary Opportunities: Certified professionals tend to earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
- Career Advancement: SHRM certification paves the way for promotions into managerial and executive positions.
- Stronger Professional Network: SHRM certification connects you to a global HR community, opening doors to mentorship and career growth opportunities.
HR professionals with SHRM certification are seen as strategic partners in business, making them highly sought-after in the job market.
Read on: Careers for SHRM Certified Professionals
Key Differences Between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Certification
Understanding the differences between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP is essential when deciding which HR certification is right for you.
- SHRM-CP (Certified Professional): Designed for HR professionals in operational roles, this certification is ideal for those handling employee relations, policy implementation, and HR compliance. It suits early-career HR professionals and mid-level HR practitioners who focus on day-to-day HR functions.
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional): Intended for senior HR leaders, this certification focuses on strategic HR practices, workforce planning, and business leadership. It is best suited for experienced HR professionals who shape HR policies and drive organizational success.
Completing both certifications enhance your expertise, but choosing the right one depends on your experience, education level and career goals.
Learn: SHRM-SCP Requirements
Top HR Jobs You Can Get with SHRM-CP Certification
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is designed for human resource management professionals handling operational and administrative tasks. This certification is ideal if you’re working in HR or looking to break into the field.
Common Entry-Level and Mid-Level HR Roles for SHRM-CP Holders
Having the experience as a SHRM-CP on your résumé makes you a strong candidate for various HR positions, including:
- HR Generalist – A jack-of-all-trades role handling everything from employee relations to benefits administration. Career growth? Plenty! Many HR Generalists move into senior HR roles over time.
- HR Coordinator – A great starting point in HR! Coordinators assist with recruiting, onboarding, and employee records. This role sets the foundation for a promising HR career.
- Talent Acquisition Specialist – Love hiring? This role focuses on sourcing, interviewing, and selecting top talent for the company.
- HR Specialist – Specializes in areas like compensation, benefits, or training & development. If you prefer to focus on one aspect of HR, this is a great choice!
- Career Growth Potential: Most of these roles offer a clear path to senior positions like HR Manager or HR Business Partner with experience and additional certifications.
Top HR Jobs You Can Get with SHRM-SCP Certification
The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is for human resource management pros ready to take on strategic, leadership-level roles. Completing this HR certification proves you can shape HR policies and programs, develop them, drive business strategy, and lead teams effectively.
Senior and Executive-Level HR Positions for SHRM-SCP Holders
If you have your SHRM-SCP, you ensure you’re well-positioned for high-level HR leadership roles and opportunities such as:
- HR Manager – Oversees HR teams and ensures company policies align with business goals. Perfect for mid-to-senior-level HR professionals.
- HR Director – Takes HR strategy to the next level, working closely with executives to shape company culture and talent management.
- Vice President of HR (VP of HR) – A senior leadership role focusing on workforce planning, company culture, and aligning HR with business success.
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) – The top HR executive in an organization, responsible for making big-picture decisions on talent, diversity, and organizational effectiveness programs.
The Bottom Line: The SHRM-SCP prepares you for strategic and executive human resource management work, making you a sought-after professional in the HR world.
Related post: Why Employers Prefer Candidates with SHRM Certifications
HR Leadership Roles Available with SHRM Certification
Earning a SHRM certification doesn’t just help you get a job—it prepares you for responsible leadership. Whether you have a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, your HR certification signals an area that you’re skilled in:
- People and Talent Management
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- HR Policy Development
- Organizational Leadership
Companies value SHRM-certified professionals because they bring expertise, structure, results, and strategic thinking to the HR function.
Best Industries for SHRM-Certified HR Professionals
Where can you use your SHRM certification skills? HR professionals are in demand across many industries, but some stand out when seeking employment opportunities for:
- Healthcare – Managing staffing shortages, recruitment, compliance, payroll management, and employee wellness programs.
- Technology – Recruiting top talent in a fast-moving industry while driving diversity and inclusion.
- Finance – Handling complex compensation structures, payroll administration, and talent retention strategies.
- Manufacturing – Managing labor relations, safety regulations, recruitment, and workforce training.
Each industry has unique HR challenges to respond to and recruitment policies, but SHRM-certified professionals are well-equipped to tackle and respond to them!
Specialized HR Roles That Prefer SHRM-Certified Professionals
SHRM certification isn’t just a fancy title—it’s a game-changer in the human resource world.
Many specialized human resource roles strongly prefer or even require SHRM-certified professionals because it demonstrates expertise, experience, leadership, and a commitment to HR best practices.
Here are some specialized HR roles where SHRM certification gives you an edge:
- HR Compliance Manager – Ensures that the company follows and has proper guidance on labor laws, employment regulations, and workplace policies.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager – Develops, provides education on, and implements DEI programs to promote an inclusive workplace.
- HR Analytics Specialist – Uses data-driven insights to improve HR strategies, recruitment, and workforce planning.
- Employee Relations Manager – Handles workplace conflict resolution, employee engagement, and legal compliance.
- HR Business Partner (HRBP) – Works closely with executives to align HR strategies with business goals.
Why do employers prefer SHRM-certified candidates for these roles? Because this human resource certification validates real-world HR expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive business success.
If you want to stand out in competitive HR fields and develop your skills, SHRM certification is a must-have.
Average Salaries for HR Jobs Requiring SHRM Certification
One of the biggest questions aspiring HR professionals have is: “How much can I earn with SHRM certification?” The answer? A lot! Salaries vary by job level, industry, and location, but here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect if you hungry and committed:
| Job Level | Average Salary |
| Entry-Level HR (HR Coordinator, HR Assistant) | $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Mid-Level HR (HR Generalist, HR Specialist) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior-Level HR (HR Manager, Employee Relations Manager) | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| Executive HR (HR Director, VP of HR, CHRO) | $120,000 – $250,000+ |
Having SHRM certification can give you a salary boost, as many employers are willing to offer pay a premium for certified professionals. According to SHRM research, SHRM-certified professionals earn significantly more than their non-certified peers each year.
How to Advance Your Human Resource Management Career with SHRM Certification
Getting SHRM-certified is a great first step, but how do you leverage it for career growth and value? Here’s how:
- Highlight Your Certification – Showcase your SHRM credentials on your resume, LinkedIn, and professional emails.
- Use It for Promotions – Employers often favor certified HR pros who have served in different positions when filling leadership roles.
- Take on Strategic Projects – Leverage your knowledge to lead HR initiatives and programs that make a business impact.
- Network with Other SHRM Professionals – Join SHRM chapters and human resources communities to connect with influential leaders in the human resource society.
- Keep Learning – Continue professional development in the present and future through SHRM workshops, conferences every year, and recertification programs.
SHRM Certification vs. Other HR Certifications: Which One to Choose?
Not sure if SHRM certification is the right fit for you? Here’s a quick comparison between it and other HR certifications and the focus are each applies:
| Certification | Best For | Focus Area |
| SHRM-CP | HR professionals with at least 1-2 years of experience | People management, HR operations |
| SHRM-SCP | Senior HR professionals, leaders | HR strategy, business leadership |
| PHR Certification | PHR certification is best for HR professionals with some experience | HR technical expertise |
| SPHR | Senior HR professionals and directors | HR policy, guidance, compliance, and strategy |
| CIPD | International HR professionals | Global HR practices |
If you want a strategic, business-focused HR certification, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP presents you with the way to go.
Continue reading: SHRM SCP vs SPHR
How to Prepare for SHRM Certification Exams
Ready to take the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam? Here are some top tips to help ensure you ace it:
- Take a SHRM Prep Course – Official SHRM learning systems and courses can give guidance on what to study and help reinforce key concepts.
- Use Practice Exams – Test yourself with SHRM-style questions from Prepsaret’s SHRM-CP Test Prep and SHRM-SCP Test Prep courses to get familiar with the format.
- Join a Study Group – This applies when you want to connect with other SHRM candidates and others in within the society to review material and share insights.
- Review HR Competency Framework – Focus on behavioral and technical HR knowledge areas.
- Set a Study Schedule – Plan dedicated study time and stick to it!
FAQs
How Much Can I Make with a SHRM Certification?
With a SHRM certification, salaries can vary significantly. For SHRM-CP holders, the median pay is around $70,000, while SHRM-SCP holders earn a median of $107,800. The pay boost from SHRM-CP to SHRM-SCP can be up to 54%.
Additionally, certified professionals often see a pay increase compared to non-certified peers, with SHRM-CP holders experiencing a 3.9% boost and SHRM-SCP holders seeing a 5.7% increase.
What is the Highest Paying HR Field?
The highest paying human resources field often involves executive and specialized roles. Professional Development Manager III can earn up to $308,000 annually.
Other high-paying positions include HR Director ($180,503) and Senior HR Operations Manager (up to $265,000). These roles typically require strategic HR certifications, advanced skills and experience in strategic leadership and organizational development.
Can You Get an HR Job with Just a Certificate?
Yes, you can get an opening to a human resources job with just a certificate. HR Certifications like SHRM-CP and PHR demonstrate HR knowledge and skills, enhancing job prospects.
While not required, they are often preferred by employers and can boost credibility and offer career advancement opportunities. However, some positions may require additional work experience or education such as a bachelor's or a master's degree.