Working in HR can be a rewarding experience that will see you doing something different every day. It’s a people-focused role, perfect if you can easily build rapport and maintain relationships with others.
Of course, like any sector, salaries and skills can vary across different HR jobs. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to working in HR, so learning as much as you can about the industry will leave you better placed to progress your career. In the guide below, we outline the kind of salaries you can expect from HR jobs in Cheltenham and highlight the in-demand skills you need for a successful career in HR. Let’s find out more.
Common HR Salaries

As you would expect, HR salaries vary depending on your level of experience, your responsibilities and your geographic location. However, there are broad salary bands that can apply to different HR roles. Having an understanding of these can give you an idea of what to expect when looking to kick-start a career in HR.
Entry-Level HR Roles
Unless you’re coming from another industry with transferable skills, you’re likely going to make your start in HR with an entry-level role. Common entry-level job titles include HR assistant and HR administrator, and you can check out employment agencies like Juice Recruitment to find vacancies like these.
In terms of salary, entry-level HR positions generally pay around £24,000 – £27,000 per year. These roles involve a lot of administrative responsibilities. You might expect to assist with payroll management, employee records and fielding questions and queries.
Middle Management Positions
From an entry-level position, you could move into a management role. As an HR manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the people in an organisation. This will involve working across everything from recruitment to training and payroll management.
As this is a management position, the extra responsibilities will be reflected in the salary. HR managers can typically expect a salary of between £37,000 – £42,000.
Reaching the Top of the Ladder
An HR director is the most senior HR position. In this role, you have more strategic responsibilities, and you will be expected to liaise with other senior figures from across the organisation to evaluate how your department is impacting the direction and growth of the business.
HR directors can earn upwards of £80,000 per year. Of course, this will depend on the size of the business, your level of experience and where you are in the country.
HR Career Progression
HR jobs are all about people. If you’re a sociable person who gets on well with others, HR could be the perfect industry for you, and it could give you a chance to thrive. However, like in any industry, progressing in HR involves having an excellent understanding of your roles and responsibilities and how the work you do impacts the overall strength of the business.
To progress in your HR career, you should be looking to network and constantly develop your skills at every opportunity. Additional training and certifications can help you build up a skillset that will leave you in a fantastic position to secure that next promotion.
When you’re looking for HR jobs at a recruitment agency Cheltenham, it’s important that you understand exactly what skills employers are looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the most in-demand skills for HR jobs to help you get started.
In-Demand Skills

Communication
HR jobs are all about communication. Not only will you have to constantly communicate with your colleagues, but you’ll also be expected to maintain open dialogues with the organisation’s workforce. Knowing how to speak to people in a calm and constructive way is vital.
Diversity Experience
Modern businesses are quickly coming to realise the benefits that can be offered by having a diverse workforce. As HR departments are often responsible for recruitment, having some experience with inclusive hiring practices can be very valuable.
Conflict Resolution
An important role of any HR department is being able to resolve conflicts in the workforce. Such conflicts can be extremely disruptive and can leave employees feeling stressed and unhappy. Being able to resolve these conflicts in a way that satisfies both parties is a key skill you need to have to progress your HR career.
Data Analysis
Data is now an integral part of any successful business. This applies across departments, from sales to HR, which means that having an understanding of data analysis techniques can make you a valued member of the team. Learning about artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis can be an excellent idea and will leave you perfectly placed to succeed in an AI-driven future.
Ready to Start Your HR Journey?

Although HR vacancies are highly visible across leading job agencies like Juice Recruitment, breaking into the industry remains a competitive endeavour. Success in HR hinges on a clear understanding of salary benchmarks and a commitment to continuous upskilling—factors that are essential for advancing through the ranks. By familiarising yourself with the compensation landscape and investing in the development of in-demand skills, you’ll position yourself favourably in today’s dynamic HR market. Embrace these insights as the foundation to not only enter but thrive in the HR field.
Ready to take your first step? Visit Juice Recruitment to explore current HR opportunities in Cheltenham today and jump-start your career journey.