HR Systems Administrator
Also advertised as: HR Data Administrator, HR Systems Administrator, HR Systems Analyst, HRIS Administrator, People Systems Administrator
Maintains the HR software that stores employee records, payroll data and reporting.
What the job involves
HR systems administrators keep platforms such as Workday or SAP SuccessFactors running smoothly, managing user access, data accuracy and system upgrades. You act as the link between HR, IT and payroll teams, and troubleshoot issues when data does not flow correctly between systems. It suits people who enjoy process and technology more than people management.
Typical responsibilities
- Maintain and update HR system records
- Manage user access and system permissions
- Support system upgrades and testing
- Produce HR reports and data extracts
- Troubleshoot data issues between HR, payroll and finance systems
Common employers
- Large employers with dedicated HR systems teams
- Shared service centres
- HR technology vendors
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£24,000 – £30,000 a year
With experience
£35,000 – £48,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours
Working environment
Office based or hybrid
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- HR software platforms
- Data accuracy
- Problem solving
- Reporting tools
- Process documentation
Transferable skills you may already have
- IT support or systems administration experience
- Spreadsheet and database skills
- Process-driven troubleshooting
Requirements employers ask for
- HR software platforms
- Data accuracy
- Problem solving
- Reporting tools
- Process documentation
- No formal qualification required
Useful but not essential
- IT support or systems administration experience
- Spreadsheet and database skills
- Process-driven troubleshooting
- CIPD Level 3
- Experience with a major HRIS platform such as Workday
Helpful qualifications
- CIPD Level 3
- Experience with a major HRIS platform such as Workday
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- HR Support (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Human resource management
- Related subject: Business
- Related subject: Computing
Where this career can lead
next
HR Systems Analyst
next
HRIS Manager
next
Head of HR Systems
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Combines HR knowledge with valuable systems skills
- Less exposure to difficult employee relations casework
- Growing demand as more HR moves onto digital platforms
What people find hard
- System upgrades can bring tight project deadlines
- Data errors have knock-on effects across payroll and reporting
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a hr systems administrator?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a hr systems administrator earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £24,000 to £30,000 a year, rising towards £48,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include IT support or systems administration experience, Spreadsheet and database skills, Process-driven troubleshooting.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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