Recruiters are important… But how much do recruiters themselves earn?
This guide will shed light on everything you need to know about a recruiter’s salary.
Salary Ranges — by experience
Recruiters can make between $35k and +$90k.
Here’s a general idea of what recruiters can expect to earn based on experience (figures are based on US data and may vary):
- Entry-Level: $35,000 – $50,000
- Mid-Level: $50,000 – $70,000
- Senior-Level: $70,000 – $90,000+

This is the official page of the UK’s National Careers Service telling us how much a Recruitment Consultant can make a year (on average).
Beyond base salary
Many recruiters also receive benefits on top of their base salary. These can include health insurance, paid time off, and bonuses.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Experience Level: Entry-level recruiters, fresh out of the gate, can expect a lower base salary than seasoned professionals with years of experience under their belt.
- Job Sector: Tech recruiters tend to command higher salaries compared to recruiters in other industries. This reflects the specialized skillset required to navigate the competitive tech job market.
- Location: Recruiters in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living typically earn more than their counterparts in smaller towns.
Bonus potential
Performance-based bonuses are a significant factor influencing a recruiter’s overall compensation.
- Recruiters who consistently fill positions quickly and efficiently can expect to earn substantial bonuses.
- These bonuses are often tied to the number of placements made or the caliber of the recruited candidates.
How can a recruiter get paid more?
Answer: To get paid more, a recruiter can focus on placing higher-level positions with higher salaries, as these typically offer larger commissions.
| Category | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Sharpen your Skillset | Master the Recruitment Process |
| 1.2. Sharpen your Skillset | Develop Negotiation Skills |
| 1.3. Sharpen your Skillset | Stay Updated on Industry Trends |
| 2. Boost Your Value | Specialize in a Niche |
| 2.1. Boost Your Value | Track Your Success |
| 2.2. Boost Your Value | Earn Certifications |
| 3. Negotiate Your Worth | Research Market Rates |
| 3.2. Negotiate Your Worth | Highlight Your Value |
| 3.3. Negotiate Your Worth | Be Prepared to Walk Away |
Specializing in high-demand industries or niches can also command higher fees.
Additionally, negotiating higher commission rates or base salaries with their agency, demonstrating consistent success, and building a strong network can significantly boost earnings.
FAQs: Recruiters Salaries
1. How much do the best recruiters make?
Top recruiters can pull in some serious cash, potentially exceeding $200,000 a year.
2. How much do recruiters make at Google?
$134,000 to $326,000 (and possibly more).
All this info is according to a few internet sources. At the end of the day, only Google and its employe can confirm this 100%.
- Base Salary: Entry-level recruiters might earn around $70,000-$90,000 annually. More experienced recruiters can earn between $100,000 and $150,000.
- Bonuses and Stock Options: Bonuses can range from 10-20% of the base salary. Stock options can add significant value, often amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.
Overall, total compensation for experienced recruiters can range from $120,000 to over $200,000 annually.
3. What is the highest recruiter salary?
There isn’t publicly available data on a specific individual’s salary, but recruiters can reach very high earning potentials.
Here’s what we can say about the top end of recruiter salaries:
- Executive Recruiters: Targeting high-level positions often command the highest salaries in the recruiting field.
- Top Talent Acquisition Leaders: Information suggests salaries for these leaders can reach over $225,000 annually.
- Performance-Based Bonuses: Recruiters with exceptional performance, consistently exceeding placement goals or recruiting top talent, can significantly boost their earnings through bonuses.pen_spark
These are just some indicators.
Thank you for reading this,
Team AgencyReviews

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