Canada is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled human resources professionals, with over 15,000 vacancies across corporations, government agencies, and growing startups. For international HR experts with strategic leadership experience, this need creates an exceptional opportunity to secure high-paying positions with comprehensive immigration support.
Human Resources Manager Canada roles command salaries ranging from $85,000 to $125,000 annually, with senior positions in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary reaching $130,000 to $150,000. Additionally, HR management falls under NOC 10011, which is a TEER 0 job that allows for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and quicker paths to permanent residency.
From multinational corporations managing thousands of employees to tech startups scaling rapidly, Canadian employers across every sector need strategic HR leaders. Furthermore, these professionals must navigate complex labor laws, champion workplace culture, and drive organizational effectiveness. This guide is your complete roadmap to landing a six-figure Human Resources Manager Canada position while securing Canadian permanent residence.
Why HR Managers Are Critical to Canadian Employers
The demand for experienced HR professionals in Canada has reached unprecedented levels. Here’s what’s driving the urgent hiring surge:
- Labor market complexity → Canada’s diverse workforce requires HR leaders who understand employment equity, multilingual communication, and inclusive workplace practices. As a result, companies prioritize candidates with cross-cultural management expertise.
- Remote work transformation → The shift to hybrid and remote work models demands HR professionals who can redesign policies, manage distributed teams, and maintain company culture. Therefore, organizations need strategic thinkers who can navigate this new landscape.
- Regulatory compliance pressure → Provincial employment standards, federal equity legislation, and evolving labor laws require expert oversight. Consequently, companies face significant penalties for non-compliance, making HR leadership essential.
- Talent acquisition crisis → With unemployment at historic lows in key sectors, Canadian companies compete aggressively for talent. Additionally, HR managers must develop innovative recruitment strategies to attract and retain top performers.
Because of these factors, the Canadian government is making it easier for HR professionals to come to Canada by providing several immigration options that speed up the process and give more points for management jobs.
Human Resources Manager Canada Salary by Province
Understanding compensation expectations helps you negotiate effectively and target the right markets. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what HR managers earn across Canadian provinces.
| Province | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior-Level | Director/VP HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $75,000 – $95,000 | $95,000 – $120,000 | $115,000 – $145,000 | $140,000 – $180,000 |
| British Columbia | $72,000 – $92,000 | $92,000 – $115,000 | $110,000 – $140,000 | $135,000 – $175,000 |
| Alberta | $78,000 – $98,000 | $98,000 – $125,000 | $120,000 – $150,000 | $145,000 – $190,000 |
| Quebec | $65,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $105,000 | $100,000 – $130,000 | $125,000 – $165,000 |
| Manitoba | $68,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $105,000 | $100,000 – $125,000 | $120,000 – $155,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $70,000 – $88,000 | $88,000 – $108,000 | $105,000 – $130,000 | $125,000 – $160,000 |
| Atlantic Provinces | $65,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 | $95,000 – $120,000 | $115,000 – $150,000 |
These figures include base salary only. Furthermore, total compensation packages often include bonuses (10–20% of the base), stock options, RRSP matching, and comprehensive benefits worth an additional $15,000–$25,000 annually.
Understanding NOC 10011: The Key to Immigration Success
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system categorizes every job in Canada. Importantly, Human Resources Manager positions fall under NOC 10011, which replaced the previous NOC 0112 in November 2022.
NOC 10011 Details:
- Classification: Human resources managers
- TEER Category: 0 (Management occupations)
- Skill Level: Management positions requiring university education
- Express Entry Eligibility: Yes, under Federal Skilled Worker Program
Typical Duties Under NOC 10011:
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate HR department operations
- Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives
- Direct recruitment, classification, and labor relations activities
- Oversee employee compensation, benefits, and performance management systems
- Advise senior management on HR planning, policy development, and organizational change
Because NOC 10011 is a TEER 0 occupation, it receives maximum points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System. Additionally, many Provincial Nominee Programs specifically target HR managers for priority processing.
How HR Managers Boost CRS Scores for Express Entry
For professionals targeting Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry, your NOC code and experience directly impact your Comprehensive Ranking System score. Here’s the breakdown:
| Experience Level | NOC Code | CRS Points (Canadian Experience) | CRS Points (Foreign Experience) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year as HR Manager | 10011 | 40 points | 25 points |
| 2 years as HR Manager | 10011 | 46 points | 31 points |
| 3+ years as HR Manager | 10011 | 53 points | 50 points |
Additional CRS Boost Strategies:
- Valid job offer (LMIA-approved): +50-200 points
- Provincial Nomination: +600 points (guaranteed invitation)
- Master’s degree + 3 years experience: Highly competitive profile (460+)
- French language proficiency: +25-50 additional points
Because HR management is TEER 0, candidates typically achieve competitive CRS scores of 450-480 with proper credential assessment and language testing. Moreover, many provinces specifically nominate HR professionals through targeted draws.
Top Industries Hiring HR Managers in Canada
Virtually every sector needs human resources managers. However, these industries offer the highest salaries and most immigration sponsorship opportunities:
1. Technology & Software ($95,000 – $140,000)
Tech companies are scaling rapidly and need HR leaders to build high-performance cultures, manage hypergrowth recruiting, and retain technical talent.
Sample Roles:
- People Operations Manager ($100,000 – $130,000)
- Talent Acquisition Manager ($95,000 – $125,000)
- HR Business Partner—Tech ($105,000 – $140,000)
Top Employers:
- Shopify
- BlackBerry
- CGI
- OpenText
- D2L
2. Financial Services ($90,000 – $135,000)
Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms require HR managers who understand regulatory compliance, succession planning, and executive compensation.
Sample Roles:
- HR Manager—Banking ($95,000 – $125,000)
- Compensation & Benefits Manager ($90,000 – $120,000)
- Organizational Development Manager ($100,000 – $135,000)
Top Employers:
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
- TD Bank
- Scotiabank
- Manulife
- Sun Life Financial
3. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals ($85,000 – $125,000)
Healthcare organizations need HR professionals to manage clinical staff, navigate union environments, and maintain accreditation standards.
Sample Roles:
- HR Manager—Healthcare ($90,000 – $120,000)
- Clinical HR Business Partner ($85,000 – $115,000)
- Labor Relations Manager ($95,000 – $125,000)
Top Employers:
- Ontario Health
- Vancouver Coastal Health
- Alberta Health Services
- Apotex
- Bausch Health
4. Manufacturing & Energy ($90,000 – $130,000)
Resource and manufacturing companies need HR leaders to manage unionized workforces, ensure safety compliance, and support operational excellence.
Sample Roles:
- Industrial Relations Manager ($95,000 – $130,000)
- Safety & HR Manager ($90,000 – $120,000)
- Workforce Planning Manager ($92,000 – $125,000)
Top Employers:
- Suncor Energy
- Canadian Natural Resources
- Magna International
- Bombardier
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Essential Skills for High-Paying Positions
To command top salaries and qualify for Express Entry, you need a strategic combination of technical HR expertise and leadership capabilities:
Core HR Competencies:
- Strategic workforce planning and succession management
- Full-cycle recruitment and talent acquisition
- Compensation and benefits design
- Performance management systems
- Labor relations and collective bargaining
- Employee relations and conflict resolution
- HRIS implementation (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM)
Canadian-Specific Knowledge:
- Employment Standards Act (provincial variations)
- Human Rights legislation and accommodation requirements
- Canada Labour Code (for federally regulated industries)
- Pay equity and employment equity obligations
- Workers’ compensation regulations
- Privacy legislation (PIPEDA)
Leadership & Strategic Skills:
- Change management and organizational development
- Budget management ($500K+ HR departmental budgets)
- Executive coaching and leadership development
- Data analytics and HR metrics
- Stakeholder management and board presentations
- Cross-functional collaboration
High-Value Certifications:
- Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)—Canadian standard
- SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP (US-based, widely recognized)
- Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
Provincial Nominee Programs Targeting HR Managers
Many provinces actively nominate HR professionals through dedicated streams. Here are the most accessible pathways:
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities Stream regularly conducts targeted draws for NOC 10011. Additionally, the Employer Job Offer Stream allows for direct nomination if the applicant has valid employment.
Requirements:
- CRS score typically 450+
- Master’s degree preferred
- 1+ years of continuous experience
- Job offer not required for some streams
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
BC’s Skills Immigration Stream targets HR managers, especially in the technology sector. Furthermore, the Strategic Occupations pathway prioritizes management roles.
Requirements:
- Valid job offer from BC employer
- 2+ years of experience in last 5 years
- Wage offer meeting BC median wage requirements
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta’s Alberta Opportunity Stream and Express Entry Stream regularly nominate HR professionals. Moreover, the province has strong demand in the energy, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Requirements:
- Current employment or job offer in Alberta
- CRS score 300+ (lower than federal)
- Relevant education and experience
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Your HR Manager Position
Step 1: Get Your Credentials Assessed
First, complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through World Education Services (WES) or another designated organization. This validates your degree equivalency in Canada.
Step 2: Achieve Required Language Scores
Next, take IELTS or CELPIP (English) with a minimum CLB of 7 in all categories. Higher scores significantly boost your CRS score. Alternatively, if you speak French, take TEF Canada for additional points.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Then, register in the Express Entry pool with your ECA, language results, and work experience documentation. Your profile remains active for 12 months.
Step 4: Target Canadian Employers
Meanwhile, apply for positions through LinkedIn, Indeed Canada, and specialized HR job boards like HRVoice and CPHR BC. Additionally, work with recruitment agencies specializing in HR placements.
Step 5: Network Strategically
Furthermore, join CPHR provincial chapters, attend virtual HR conferences, and connect with Canadian HR leaders on LinkedIn. Professional networks fill many positions.
Step 6: Prepare for Canadian-Style Interviews
Finally, expect behavioral questions about labor relations, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and strategic HR initiatives. Practice explaining your experience using the STAR method.
Career Progression & Total Compensation
| Career Stage | Position | Base Salary | Total Compensation | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Management | HR Manager | $75,000 – $95,000 | $85,000 – $110,000 | 3-5 years |
| Mid-Management | Senior HR Manager | $95,000 – $125,000 | $110,000 – $145,000 | 6-10 years |
| Senior Management | HR Director | $120,000 – $150,000 | $140,000 – $180,000 | 10-15 years |
| Executive | VP Human Resources | $150,000 – $200,000 | $180,000 – $250,000 | 15+ years |
| C-Suite | Chief People Officer | $200,000 – $300,000+ | $250,000 – $400,000+ | 18+ years |
Benefits Beyond Salary
- Comprehensive Health Coverage
Canadian employers provide extended health benefits, including dental, vision, and mental health services and prescription drugs. Moreover, many organizations offer health spending accounts worth $1,500–$3,000 annually. - Generous Vacation Allowances
Starting vacation typically ranges from 3 to 4 weeks annually. Furthermore, many companies offer additional personal days, volunteer days, and year-end shutdowns. - Retirement Savings Support
Employers match RRSP contributions between 3 and 6% of salary. Additionally, some organizations offer defined benefit pension plans, particularly in the public sector and large corporations. - Professional Development Investment
HR managers receive $3,000–$8,000 annually for conferences, certifications, and executive education programs. Therefore, you can continuously enhance your skills while employed. - Pathway to Permanent Residence
Working in a TEER 0 occupation significantly accelerates your permanent residence timeline. Subsequently, you can apply for citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average Human Resources Manager Canada salary?
HR managers in Canada earn between $85,000 and $125,000 annually. Meanwhile, senior HR manager roles in major cities can earn between $130,000 and $150,000, with total compensation potentially exceeding $180,000.
2. What is the NOC code for HR manager positions?
Human Resources Manager positions are classified under NOC 10011 (TEER 0). This is a management occupation that is eligible for all Express Entry programs and Provincial Nominee Programs.
3. Do I need to have Canadian HR experience in order to immigrate?
No. International HR experience counts equally for Express Entry and PNP applications. However, obtaining the Canadian certification known as CPHR can significantly enhance your employment prospects.
4. How long does Express Entry processing take HR managers?
Standard Express Entry processing takes approximately 6 months, starting from the Invitation to Apply and ending with permanent residence approval. Additionally, Provincial Nominee Programs can extend the processing timeline by 2 to 3 months.
5. Can my family emigrate with me?
Yes. Our spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can accompany you. Moreover, your partner will receive an open work permit, allowing them to work in any profession.
6. Which provinces have the most HR management jobs?
Ontario has the highest percentage of HR management positions at 40%, followed by British Columbia with 18%, Alberta with 15%, and Quebec with 12%. Furthermore, the provinces mentioned offer the highest salaries.
7. Is CPHR certification required for HR manager positions?
CPHR certification is not mandatory but highly valued. In fact, many employers prefer or require the CPHR for senior positions. Consequently, obtaining the CPHR designation significantly increases your competitiveness.
Final Thoughts
A human resources manager career in Canada offers more than exceptional compensation—it provides professional fulfillment, strategic impact, and a clear pathway to permanent residence. With salaries ranging from $85,000 to $125,000, a TEER 0 NOC classification providing maximum immigration points, and strong demand across all provinces, there has never been a better time for international HR professionals to pursue opportunities in Canada.
Whether you are an experienced HR director seeking new challenges, a mid-level manager aiming for career advancement, or an international professional ready to build a life in Canada, employers are actively looking for your expertise.
The shortage of HR talent continues to intensify. If you have been considering a career move to Canada, then 2025 is the ideal year for you to secure a position as a human resources manager and start your journey toward permanent residence. EExplore our complete Canadian immigration roadmap to help you plan your next steps.