How Much Do Technical Recruiters Make?

Introduction.

If you’re curious about what technical recruiters earn, you’re not alone. Whether you’re exploring a career in recruiting or just trying to understand the job market better, knowing how much recruiters make can give you a sense of the opportunities available.

Technical recruiters play a key role in helping companies find and hire skilled tech professionals, and their salaries often reflect the value they bring to businesses.

This article will break down the earning potential of technical recruiters, the factors that influence their salaries, and why this career path is worth considering. Let’s dive into what you need to know.

What Do Technical Recruiters Do?

Before we get into the numbers, let’s cover what technical recruiters do. Their main job is to help companies find the right tech talent for roles like software engineers, data scientists, IT specialists, and more. They’re like matchmakers between companies and candidates.

Here’s a quick overview of their responsibilities:

Sourcing candidates: Using tools like LinkedIn, job boards, and networks to find potential hires.
Screening resumes: Reviewing applications to identify strong candidates.
Conducting interviews: Talking to candidates to assess their skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Building relationships: Maintaining a network of both job seekers and employers.
Collaborating with hiring managers: Understanding the technical needs of a role and finding candidates who meet those requirements.

It’s a job that blends people skills with a solid understanding of technology, making it both challenging and rewarding.

How Much Do Technical Recruiters Make?

Now, let’s talk numbers. The salary of a technical recruiter depends on several factors like experience, location, industry, and the type of company they work for.

Average Salaries

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a technical recruiter in the United States is around $70,000 per year. However, this can vary widely. For instance:

Entry-level recruiters might start with salaries around $45,000–$60,000 annually.
Mid-level recruiters typically earn between $70,000–$90,000.
Senior or highly experienced technical recruiters can make upwards of $100,000–$120,000 or more.

Bonuses and Commissions

In addition to their base salary, many recruiters earn performance-based bonuses or commissions. For example, if a recruiter successfully places a candidate in a high-paying role, they might earn a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary as a commission. This can add thousands of dollars to their annual earnings.

Location Matters

Salaries also vary depending on where you live. Recruiters in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle typically earn higher salaries to match the cost of living and the competitive job market. For instance:

In San Francisco, the average salary for technical recruiters can be around $90,000–$110,000.
In smaller cities or less tech-driven areas, salaries might be closer to $50,000–$70,000.

In-House vs. Agency Recruiters

Technical recruiters can work in-house for a company or at a staffing agency.

In-house recruiters: Usually earn a steady salary with bonuses tied to hiring goals. Their salaries tend to be slightly higher on average, ranging from $70,000–$100,000, depending on the company.
Agency recruiters: Often work on commissions, so their earnings can fluctuate. They might have a lower base salary but higher earning potential if they’re successful at placing candidates.

What Affects a Technical Recruiter’s Salary?

Several factors influence how much a technical recruiter earns. Let’s break it down:

1. Experience

Like most jobs, experience plays a big role. A recruiter with 5+ years of experience will likely earn more than someone just starting.

Over time, recruiters build valuable networks and a strong track record, which can lead to better job offers and higher pay.

2. Skills and Certifications

Technical recruiters who have a deeper understanding of technology and hiring trends tend to earn more. Some recruiters even pursue certifications, like:

Certified Technical Recruiter (CTR)
LinkedIn Recruiter Certification

Having these credentials shows expertise and can make a recruiter more valuable to employers.

3. Industry

Some industries pay more than others. For example, recruiters working in tech-heavy industries like software development, AI, or cybersecurity tend to earn more compared to those in industries with lower demand for technical roles.

4. Company Size

Larger companies with bigger hiring budgets often pay their recruiters higher salaries. A recruiter at a major tech company like Google or Amazon might earn significantly more than someone working for a small startup.

Why Consider a Career in Technical Recruiting?

Technical recruiting can be a great career choice for people who enjoy working with others, solving problems, and staying up-to-date with the tech world. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

High earning potential: With a combination of salary, bonuses, and commissions, you can earn a solid income.
Career growth: Many recruiters move into higher-level roles like recruiting manager, talent acquisition specialist, or even HR leadership.
Flexibility: Recruiting roles often offer remote or hybrid work options.
Job security: As long as companies are hiring tech professionals, there will be a demand for skilled recruiters.

FAQs

1. Can technical recruiters work remotely?

Yes, many technical recruiters work remotely, especially since much of their work involves online tools and virtual communication.

2. How do commissions work for recruiters?

Recruiters typically earn a commission based on the salary of the candidate they place. For example, if the commission is 10% and the candidate’s salary is $100,000, the recruiter earns $10,000.

3. Do technical recruiters need a background in tech?

While it’s not required, having a basic understanding of technical concepts can be a big advantage. This helps recruiters better evaluate candidates and communicate with hiring managers.