Recruiter: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Recruiters earn a national median of $72,910/yr with 6.2% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Personnel and Human Resources, Administrative, Administration and Management.

Median Salary

$72,910

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

6.2%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

917,460

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Recruiter

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Recruiter candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Speaking 2 Reading Comprehension 3 Active Listening 4 Writing 5 Critical Thinking 6 Social Perceptiveness 7 Service Orientation 8 Active Learning 9 Judgment and Decision Making 10 Instructing

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Recruiter performance, based on verified occupational data.

Personnel and Human Resources Administrative Administration and Management English Language Customer and Personal Service

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Recruiter roles.

Applicant tracking software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Oracle HRIS Workday software Adobe Acrobat Adobe Creative Cloud software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 6.2% for Recruiter roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
917,460
Projected Growth
6.2%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Recruiter do?
Recruiters apply expertise in Personnel and Human Resources, Administrative, Administration and Management to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing.
How much does a Recruiter make?
The national median salary for a Recruiter is $72,910 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Recruiter a good career in 2026?
Employment for Recruiter roles is projected to grow 6.2% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 917,460 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Recruiter?
The typical entry-level education for a Recruiter is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Recruiters need?
The most important skills for Recruiter roles based on verified occupational data: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Active Learning, Judgment and Decision Making, Instructing. Key tools and technologies include: Applicant tracking software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.