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Administrative assistant vs human resources assistant

The differences between administrative assistants and human resources assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an administrative assistant and a human resources assistant. Additionally, a human resources assistant has an average salary of $36,498, which is higher than the $34,945 average annual salary of an administrative assistant.

The top three skills for an administrative assistant include customer service, data entry and powerpoint. The most important skills for a human resources assistant are customer service, payroll processing, and background checks.

Administrative assistant vs human resources assistant overview

Administrative AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Yearly salary$34,945$36,498
Hourly rate$16.80$17.55
Growth rate-8%-
Number of jobs65,76940,408
Job satisfaction4.14-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age5043
Years of experience22

What does an administrative assistant do?

Administrative assistants, or admin assistants, do general clerical and administrative activities. Their duties involve organizing and maintaining files and records, preparing documents, scheduling meetings and appointments, and providing general support in the office. Administrative assistants handle incoming and outgoing official correspondences, take minutes of important meetings and manage calls to the main office number. They also assist executives in providing structure to their day by managing their schedule, drafting e-mails, and other activities that executives may need assistance in. Administrative assistants should have the following skills: organizing, business writing, decision-making, and communication.

What does a human resources assistant do?

Human resources (HR) assistants are responsible for various activities of the human resources department of the organization. This is usually an entry-level position for those who intend to build a career in human resources. Human resources assistants usually do administrative and clerical activities for the department. They are also exposed to various facets of HR, such as recruitment, training, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development. They get trained to do different activities, and as time goes by, they get to have more significant responsibilities within the department.

Administrative assistant vs human resources assistant salary

Administrative assistants and human resources assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Administrative AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Average salary$34,945$36,498
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $46,000Between $27,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyWestfield State UniversityPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between administrative assistant and human resources assistant education

There are a few differences between an administrative assistant and a human resources assistant in terms of educational background:

Administrative AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeWestern Carolina UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Administrative assistant vs human resources assistant demographics

Here are the differences between administrative assistants' and human resources assistants' demographics:

Administrative AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Average age5043
Gender ratioMale, 12.7% Female, 87.3%Male, 15.9% Female, 84.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 10.4% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%15%

Differences between administrative assistant and human resources assistant duties and responsibilities

Administrative assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage time and attendance using Kronos software for entire department.
  • Participate in national projects, manage new customer conversions to MCI from other carriers.
  • Manage FEDEX delivery requirements ensuring compliance with company policy.
  • Manage and update social media outlets including Facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Manage company finances using QuickBooks software, including monitoring the operating budget and collecting on unpaid invoices.
  • Manage and develop the daily clinical schedule for the in-patient rehabilitation staff taking into consideration Medicare guidelines and staffing ratios.
  • Show more

Human resources assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage all candidate activity and conduct full life- cycle recruiting through an applicant tracking system (ATS).
  • Manage new employee orientation training, including e-verify.
  • Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
  • Manage short-term disability and FMLA claims; notified/educate employees of eligibility and qualification requirements.
  • Maximize efficiency of HRIS system by participating in initial design, managing ongoing system enhancements and streamlining reports.
  • Conduct compensation analyses, manage EEO compliance tracking activities and deliver presentations to corporate management regarding process improvement.
  • Show more

Administrative assistant vs human resources assistant skills

Common administrative assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Data Entry, 11%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Travel Arrangements, 5%
  • Database Management, 5%
  • Word Processing, 5%
Common human resources assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Payroll Processing, 8%
  • Background Checks, 8%
  • HRIS, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Assist Human Resources, 4%

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