Salary AI Book a Demo

Acting Director, Human Resources Salary in the United States

How much does an Acting Director, Human Resources make in the United States? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Acting Director, Human Resources in the United States is $172,165 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.

However, an Acting Director, Human Resources's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $207,741
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $157,301 to $190,787
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,768
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Acting Director, Human Resources Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Acting Director, Human Resources Salaries

An Acting Director, Human Resources's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Acting Director, Human Resources Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Acting Director, Human Resources's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $119,701
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $150,050
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $168,285
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $192,244
  • Expert (over 8 years): $223,014
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Human Resources Manager less than 1 year $119,701
Associate Human Resources Director 1-2 years $150,050
Acting Director, Human Resources 2-4 years $168,285
VP of Human Resources 5-8 years $192,244
SVP of Human Resources over 8 years $223,014

How Do Acting Director, Human Resources Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Acting Director, Human Resources. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $190,621.
  • California: $189,898.
  • Massachusetts: $187,367.

Top Paying Cities for Acting Director, Human Resources

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $217,152
  • San Francisco: $214,774
  • Oakland: $210,248

Acting Director, Human Resources Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Acting Director, Human Resources roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Acting Director, Human Resources positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Acting Director, Human Resources as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Acting Director, Human Resources

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $206,598 $99.0 20%
Biotechnology $197,990 $95.0 15%
Business Services $192,825 $93.0 12%
Chemicals $189,382 $91.0 10%
Construction $185,938 $89.0 8%

How Education impacts an Acting Director, Human Resources's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Acting Director, Human Resources professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Acting Director, Human Resources with a Bachelor's is between $176,586 and $188,502.

Acting Director, Human Resources Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Acting Director, Human Resources
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 1.2%
High School 7.1%
Associate's Degree 5.1%
Bachelor's Degree 45.4%
Master's Degree or MBA 37.2%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 3.9%
View as Graph

Acting Director, Human Resources Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Acting Director, Human Resources's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$157,301
Average $172,165/year
$190,787
$13,108
Average $14,347/month
$15,899
$3,025
Average $3,311/week
$3,669
$76
Average $83/hour
$92
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $190,787 $15,899 $3,669 $92
Average $172,165 $14,347 $3,311 $83
25th Percentile $157,301 $13,108 $3,025 $76

Most common benefits for Acting Director, Human Resources

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Acting Director, Human Resources

Here are companies hiring for Acting Director, Human Resources and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Acting Director, Human Resources Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Acting Director, Human Resources job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Confidential | Ashburn, VA

    Vice President of Public Relations

    Confidential | Ashburn, VA

    Vice President of Public Relations. About the Company. Organization dedicated to protecting religious rights. Industry. Non-Profit Organization Management.... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Recruiting Heroes LLC | Ashburn, VA

    Production Technician

    Recruiting Heroes LLC | Ashburn, VA

    Production Technician Recruiting Heroes LLCLocation:Ashburn, VirginiaJob Type:Full-Time, In-PersonPay:$20.00 - $22.00 per hour About the Opportunity Recrui... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Insight Global | Ashburn, VA

    Inventory Coordinator

    Insight Global | Ashburn, VA

    Position:Inventory Coordinator Location:Ashburn, VA PR:$85k - $95k Hours:Mon-Fri 7:30am - 4:30pm Job Description:A large electrical distribution equipment ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Yantra Robotics Academy | Ashburn, VA

    Robotics Teacher Instructor

    Yantra Robotics Academy | Ashburn, VA

    Job Title:Part-Time Robotics Teacher / Instructor Location:Ashburn and Chantilly, VASchedule:Part-time, flexible hoursProgram Duration:September to June Re... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Loudoun Water | Ashburn, VA

    Community Systems Plant Operator Apprentice

    Loudoun Water | Ashburn, VA

    Loudoun Water, located in Ashburn VA is a public utility that provides water and wastewater service to customers in Loudoun County.We offer highly competit... more

    7 Days Ago

  • SAAB | Ashburn, VA

    Senior Quality Inspector

    SAAB | Ashburn, VA

    Job Description:Saab, Inc.is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Control Inspector to work at our Ashburn, Virginia facility supporting Saab's regional a... more

    7 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Acting Director, Human Resources

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Acting Director, Human Resources?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Acting Director, Human Resources roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst