Advertised salaries in the HR sector rose faster than the national average last year, according to data from Reed Human Resources.

The data from Reed analysed more than seven million jobs posted since the start of 2015 and found that advertised salaries in the sector grew by 2.6% since the end of 2016, which was higher than the national average of 2.3%.

Reed’s data also highlighted that certain roles have seen the biggest increases. Advertised roles for learning and development managers experienced a 7% hike in salary since last year. This was followed by a 6% increase for recruitment co-ordinators and a 5% jump for HR project managers. In total, the number of jobs posted for the sector increased by 5% since last year.

“HR businesses are advertising - and willing to pay - higher rates to secure new talent than in previous years, and this increase in advertised salaries is outstripping other industries such as technology, hospitality and leisure and marketing,” the report stated.

HR workers in London saw the biggest overall salary rise of 4.2%, compared to the national average for the sector of 2.6%. Workers in the North West and the East Midlands followed with increases of 3.1% and 3.0%, respectively.

“As already seen in other sectors, AI and robotics will naturally replace some roles within the industry,” Chris Adcock, divisional director at Reed HR, said. “However, companies and candidates know that where there is change there is always opportunity. The key is to embrace the technological revolution. Humans will always be required to operate this innovative and complex technology and we aren’t going to see AI and robotics technology in the workplace overnight.

“Many companies are looking to invest in people with the skills needed to adapt to this new order. HR professionals will need to focus upon demonstrating a strong understanding of how new technology can work effectively and streamline processes, along with varied experience and, as ever, strong people management skills,” Adcock said.