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Benefit Specialist Vs Human Resources Generalist

The differences between benefit specialists and human resources generalists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a benefit specialist and a human resources generalist. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, which is higher than the $48,756 average annual salary of a benefit specialist.

The top three skills for a benefit specialist include customer service, HR and patients. The most important skills for a human resources generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Benefit specialist vs human resources generalist overview

Benefit SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly Salary$48,756$56,159
Hourly rate$23.44$27.00
Growth Rate7%8%
Number Of Jobs31,66344,365
Job Satisfaction-4
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average Age4541
Years Of Experience66

What does a Benefit Specialist do?

A benefits specialist is responsible for analyzing and processing the compensation package of an organization, ensuring that the salary and benefits received by an employee adhere to the current legislation procedures. Benefits specialists develop benefits programs, adjusting pension plans and insurance options as needed, and updating the employees on recent updates and changes. A benefits specialist responds to employees' inquiries, addresses their concerns, and manages benefits issues. A benefits specialist must have a clear understanding of benefits policies and processes to educate employees about the benefits structure.

What does a human resources generalist do?

A human resources generalist is responsible for monitoring the human resources policies and procedures, making adjustments as needed to align with the company's goals and objectives. Duties of a human resources generalist also include improving employee relations system, organizing compliance and knowledge training, reviewing benefit plans, managing compensation inquiries, assisting in recruitment and staffing needs, communicating with department heads in employees' performance reviews, and storing employees' files for reference. A human resource generalist must have excellent communication and decision-making skills to address issues concerning the company and employees' welfare.

Benefit specialist vs human resources generalist salary

Benefit specialists and human resources generalists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Benefit SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Average Salary$48,756$56,159
Salary RangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest Paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest Paying StateConnecticutNew York
Best Paying CompanyQorvoMicrosoft
Best Paying IndustryFinanceTechnology

Differences between benefit specialist and human resources generalist education

There are a few differences between a benefit specialist and a human resources generalist in terms of educational background:

Benefit SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most Common MajorBusinessBusiness
Most Common CollegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Benefit specialist vs human resources generalist demographics

Here are the differences between benefit specialists' and human resources generalists' demographics:

Benefit SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Average Age4541
Gender RatioMale, 21.1% Female, 78.9%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
Race RatioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between benefit specialist and human resources generalist duties and responsibilities

Benefit Specialist Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage various employee program such as life, medical, dental pension, and HSA accounts.
  • Examine HMO documents to verify eligibility to process or reject into or from a manage care plan when necessary.
  • Input daily time and PTO, manage benefits, report new hires, input sales, oversee accounts receivable.
  • Create reports using SQL database and manage reports, perform from internet-base tools for research projects need for client insight.
  • Implement new vendor for FSA administration and manage outstanding issues through continuous follow-up and vendor accountability.
  • Analyze, process and manage FMLA claims to determine eligibility and certification in compliance with state and federal regulations.
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Human Resources Generalist Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage any payroll-relate issues/questions with ADP directly and communicate resolutions to employees.
  • Manage administration and compliance of benefit programs, including FMLA and educational assistance programs.
  • Perform all benefits processing and payroll functions including coordinating and performing employee benefit eligibility and open enrollment activities.
  • Partner with the corporate compensation Sr.
  • Assist with the planning and implementation of KRONOS the organization's HRIS system.
  • Compile data; prepare and present material in PowerPoint presentations for staff meetings.
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Benefit specialist vs human resources generalist skills

Common Benefit Specialist Skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • HR, 8%
  • Patients, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Life Insurance, 5%
  • Cobra, 5%
Common Human Resources Generalist Skills
  • HRIS, 9%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 3%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 3%

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