What is the highest pay I can expect as a 1-year experienced individual in the HR field? Also, what would be the best specialization for me considering I have been working as an HR generalist?

I am not certain of Salary Component for one year experienced professional. But assuming you don’t have specialized training in HR, and working based on your undergraduate degree.

I am not certain of Salary Component for one year experienced professional. But assuming you don’t have specialized training in HR, and working based on your undergraduate degree. I think (guess-estimate) you can expect 3 to 5 Lacs per annum. But please check with better informed source or salary survey sites for this.

Now as you are working in HR area. And if you have interest in developing your skills within HR. Few of the things that you can do are …

  1. Go for Post-graduate program in HR. The best is XLRI Jamshedpur or TISS, Mumbai. This will not only elevate your earnings, but will improve your prospectus through out the career.
  2. Post graduation in “Industrial Psychology” or “Organizational Psychology” available as major in few universities may help. But the best choice is item 1.
  3. If you are not willing to go for full time program, after few years of experience you can take up executive program at XLRI - check EDHRM program.
  4. Mean-while you can search for HR related courses on Coursera/EdX/Futurelearn etc online and learn intricacies of HR Field.
  5. It also makes sense to get specialized in narrowed down area within HR, so you can focus on learning something specialized like Social media in HR, Competency mapping, Assessment Center, Counselling, Coaching, Workplace safety, or Sexual harassment and known in the Industry for your skill in that particular area. That can also bring you good opportunities/consulting projects.
  6. Hope this helps. All the best.