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Benefits assistant vs human resource specialist

The differences between benefits assistants and human resource specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a benefits assistant and a human resource specialist. Additionally, a human resource specialist has an average salary of $53,143, which is higher than the $39,850 average annual salary of a benefits assistant.

The top three skills for a benefits assistant include human resources, data entry and cobra. The most important skills for a human resource specialist are data entry, oversight, and life insurance.

Benefits assistant vs human resource specialist overview

Benefits AssistantHuman Resource Specialist
Yearly salary$39,850$53,143
Hourly rate$19.16$25.55
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs25,33750,511
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4541
Years of experience66

What does a benefits assistant do?

Typically working in a human resources department, a benefits assistant is in charge of performing clerical support tasks for an efficient workflow. They primarily communicate with employees to answer inquiries regarding benefits and compensation programs, assist in processing documents, and resolve issues and concerns. Their responsibilities also include conducting research and analysis, liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, organizing documents, and maintaining records. Above all, it is essential to carry out duties while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

What does a human resource specialist do?

A human resources specialist is responsible for assisting in the recruitment and staffing process. Duties of a human resources specialist include updating the requirements and qualifications of a job post, handling employees' inquiries regarding compensation and benefits, maintaining employees' records, updating the status of new joiners, tracking performance reviews, and generating reports as business requires. A human resource specialist must be detail-oriented, as well as excellent in organizational and communication skills. Additionally, a human resource specialist must have a broad knowledge of the recruitment process and structure.

Benefits assistant vs human resource specialist salary

Benefits assistants and human resource specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Benefits AssistantHuman Resource Specialist
Average salary$39,850$53,143
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $36,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyIrving IsdMeta
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between benefits assistant and human resource specialist education

There are a few differences between a benefits assistant and a human resource specialist in terms of educational background:

Benefits AssistantHuman Resource Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Benefits assistant vs human resource specialist demographics

Here are the differences between benefits assistants' and human resource specialists' demographics:

Benefits AssistantHuman Resource Specialist
Average age4541
Gender ratioMale, 15.7% Female, 84.3%Male, 26.9% Female, 73.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 56.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between benefits assistant and human resource specialist duties and responsibilities

Benefits assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create reports using SQL database and manage reports, perform from internet-base tools for research projects need for client insight.
  • Audit HIPAA and outgoing correspondence.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality, observing HIPAA and other policies and guidelines.
  • Post patient payments, verify insurance coverage for new and Medicaid patients.
  • Provide information, education and assistance to clients regarding Medicare and Medicaid by phone and in person.
  • Audit, correct and record all attendance records, vacation records, vacation carryover and vacation/sick accruals.
  • Show more

Human resource specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage site KRONOS payroll, time and attendance, and vacation tracking for hourly.
  • Manage new hire and current employee paperwork that includes status change forms, W-4s, I-9s, etc.
  • Lead a compliance initiative to ensure successful transition to the e-Verify employment verification process.
  • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Advise, coach, and counsele managers and Sr.
  • Assist with affirmative action reporting, VETS100 and EEO-1 submission.
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Benefits assistant vs human resource specialist skills

Common benefits assistant skills
  • Human Resources, 10%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Cobra, 7%
  • Health Insurance, 7%
  • Open Enrollment, 6%
  • HRIS, 5%
Common human resource specialist skills
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Oversight, 9%
  • Life Insurance, 9%
  • Human Resources Policies, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Timekeeping, 5%

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