How Much Do Recruiters Make? Salaries, Factors, and Trends Explained

If you’ve ever wondered, “How much do recruiters make?” you’re not alone. As the talent acquisition industry continues to grow, so does curiosity about what recruiters earn — whether you’re considering a career in recruiting, working with one, or trying to budget for in-house hiring.

This article dives deep into recruiter salaries, the factors that influence their income, and current trends shaping recruiter compensation in 2024 and beyond.

What Do Recruiters Do?

Before we talk numbers, let’s define the role.

Recruiters are professionals who identify, attract, and place candidates in jobs that match their skills and goals. They work across industries and company sizes, helping organizations hire top talent — often in competitive markets.

There are two main types:

In-house (corporate) recruiters – Work internally for one company.
Agency or third-party recruiters – Work for recruiting or staffing firms and may earn commission.

So, How Much Do Recruiters Make?

Here’s a breakdown of average recruiter salaries in the U.S. for 2024:

Type of Recruiter	Average Base Salary	With Commission/Bonuses
Entry-Level Recruiter	$40,000 – $55,000/year	Up to $65,000+
Mid-Level Recruiter	$60,000 – $75,000/year	$80,000 – $100,000+
Senior/Lead Recruiter	$80,000 – $95,000/year	$100,000 – $130,000+
Executive Recruiter (Headhunter)	$90,000 – $120,000/year	$150,000 – $200,000+
Technical Recruiter	$70,000 – $100,000/year	$110,000 – $150,000+
Recruiting Agency Owner	Varies widely	$100,000 – $500,000+

Note: These figures are averages — earnings vary greatly based on experience, industry, location, and performance.

Salary by Location

Recruiter pay varies by region. Top-paying U.S. cities for recruiters include:

San Francisco, CA: $90K – $120K+
New York City, NY: $85K – $115K
Seattle, WA: $80K – $105K
Austin, TX: $75K – $95K
Remote roles: Increasingly competitive due to national talent pools

How Do Recruiters Get Paid?

There are three common compensation models:

Salary Only

Mostly used for in-house recruiters — stable but no extra earnings tied to performance.

Salary + Commission

Common at recruiting agencies. Commission is based on successful placements — a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary.

Commission-Only

Some independent or contract recruiters operate this way — higher earning potential, but no guaranteed income.

Factors That Affect Recruiter Salaries

Several key factors influence how much recruiters make:

Factor	Impact
Experience	More experience = higher pay
Industry	Tech and finance recruiters earn more
Location	Big cities = bigger salaries
Placement success	Commission-based pay depends on results
Niche expertise	Specialized recruiters (e.g., tech, healthcare) are paid more
Agency vs. In-House	Agencies often offer higher earning potential via commission

Do Recruiters Make Good Money?

Yes — especially high performers. While entry-level roles can start in the $40K–$50K range, top agency recruiters and executive headhunters can earn six figures or more annually.

Recruiter Income vs. Other HR Roles

Role	Average U.S. Salary (2024)
Recruiter	$60,000 – $95,000
HR Generalist	$55,000 – $75,000
Talent Acquisition Manager	$85,000 – $120,000
HR Manager	$75,000 – $110,000
Benefits Coordinator	$55,000 – $70,000

Is Recruiting a Good Career Path?

Absolutely — especially for those who enjoy working with people, love sales or consulting, and are driven by results. Other perks include:

High earning potential
Flexibility (many remote opportunities)
Fast-paced, dynamic environment
Strong job outlook as businesses grow

Conclusion

Recruiters play a vital role in connecting talent with opportunity — and they’re well-compensated for it, especially in high-demand industries. Whether you’re hiring, applying, or considering a recruiting career, understanding how much recruiters make helps you plan, negotiate, and grow smartly in today’s talent-driven economy.

FAQs

1. How much do recruiters make on average?

Recruiters in the U.S. earn between $40,000 to $95,000 annually on average, with top performers and executive recruiters earning $150,000 or more with commissions.

2. Do recruiters earn commission?

Yes, especially those in agencies or third-party firms. They often earn a commission based on a percentage of the candidate’s salary upon successful placement.

3. Who earns more: in-house recruiters or agency recruiters?

Agency recruiters typically have higher earning potential due to commission, while in-house recruiters earn steady salaries with fewer performance-based bonuses.

4. What type of recruiters make the most money?

Executive recruiters, technical recruiters, and those specializing in high-demand industries like healthcare or IT usually earn the most, often exceeding six figures.