A recent study of human resource executives at S&P 500 companies shows healthcare and technology have the highest paid execs in HR, according to a recent Equilar report, which featured independent commentary from Allegis Partners.
Among the Equilar 500, a sample of the largest U.S.-listed companies by revenue, median total direct compensation for HR executives increased from $1.6 million in 2015 to $1.7 million in 2016.
The healthcare sector saw the largest increase in median total direct compensation from $1.9 million in 2015 to $2.2 million in 2016, which is the highest pay overall of all sectors. By comparison, tech executives saw an increase from $1.8 million in 2015 to $1.9 million in 2016, following healthcare as the next highest-paid HR leaders.
"We are seeing a progressive and positive trend toward companies viewing the HR function far more strategically, especially in the healthcare and consumer sectors," said Michael Bergen, managing partner and global practice leader, human resources, at Allegis Partners. "A chief human resources officer can add the most value at an organization experiencing internal disruption, indicating why they may be so highly valued at healthcare and technology companies."