The Chief People Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer roles command substantial compensation reflecting the strategic importance of people leadership. According to [Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide](https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/job-details/chief-human-resources-officer-chrochief-people-officer/united-kingdom), CHRO/CPO salaries range from **£110,250** (25th percentile) to **£183,750** (75th percentile) with a median of **£147,000**.

[PayScale](https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Human_Resources_Officer_(CHRO)/Salary) reports an average CHRO salary of **£160,000** with a range of **£100,000 to £301,000**. [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/chief-people-officer-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm) indicates a CPO average of **£164,999**.

Experience significantly impacts compensation, with PayScale showing CHRO salaries of £126,690 for 10-19 years experience rising to £192,161 for late career (20+ years).

Robert Half provides clear salary benchmarks across the HR function:

- **CHRO/CPO**: £110,250-£183,750 - **HR Director**: £92,000-£128,750 - **Head of HR**: £62,500-£80,750 - **HR Manager**: £55,250-£70,000 - **HR Business Partner**: £46,750-£64,500 - **HR Advisor**: £34,500-£44,250

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma is increasingly expected for director-level and C-suite HR roles.

Fractional CPO arrangements offer compelling economics for growing businesses:

**Cost comparison (1 day per week)**: - Fractional CPO: £700-£1,200/day × 52 weeks = **£36,400-£62,400/year** - Full-time CPO: £147,000 salary + 30% benefits = **£191,100/year** - **Savings: £130,000+ annually**

Fractional CPOs deliver people strategy, talent acquisition oversight, culture development, employment law compliance, and organisational design without full-time overhead.

Key qualifications affecting CPO compensation include:

- **CIPD Level 7**: Expected for senior HR roles, can command 10-15% salary premium - **Employment Law Expertise**: Critical for compliance-heavy sectors - **MBA/Masters**: Can increase earnings by 15-20% - **Experience**: 15-20+ years typically required for CPO roles

According to PayScale, the progression to late career (20+ years) sees compensation rise to £192,161, a 50% increase over mid-career rates.