CHRPs in Alberta earning higher base salary

Holders of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation have a higher median annual base salary and are more likely to hold management positions, according to a survey by the Human Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA).

CHRP designation holders have a base salary of $91,800, while non-designation holders reported a base salary of $67,000 — a difference of $24,800 (37 per cent), found the survey of 1,407 HRIA members (with 821 CHRP respondents).

CHRPs are also more likely to hold management positions, as 72 per cent of respondents in a manager, supervisor or lead position hold a CHRP, compared to 75 per cent of directors and 73 per cent of vice-presidents. Regular (non-management employees) are the least likely to hold the designation.

The designation has a strong impact on earning potential, said HRIA, as managers with a CHRP reported earning 18 per cent more than non-certified managers. Directors with a CHRP earn 24 per cent more than non-certified directors, while vice-presidents with a CHRP earn 13 per cent more than non-certified vice-presidents.

The 2012 median annual base salary for all respondents is $80,834, an increase of $5,629 (7.5 per cent) over the 2011 figure of $75,205. However, the median compensation for men is 17 per cent higher than for women.

The median expected increase in annual base salary for the upcoming year (2013) is three per cent, found the survey.

If a respondent received a bonus (additional cash performance compensation, a bonus or incentive), the median received in 2012 was $10,000, up $1,000 (9.1 per cent) from 2011. Overall, 54 per cent of respondents received a bonus or additional cash compensation.

Salary differences for CHRP holders