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Benefits assistant vs human resources assistant

The differences between benefits assistants and human resources assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a benefits assistant, becoming a human resources assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a benefits assistant has an average salary of $39,850, which is higher than the $36,498 average annual salary of a human resources assistant.

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

Benefits assistant vs human resources assistant overview

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Yearly salary$39,850$36,498
Hourly rate$19.16$17.55
Growth rate7%-
Number of jobs25,33740,408
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4543
Years of experience62

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 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.

Benefits assistant vs human resources assistant salary

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Average salary$39,850$36,498
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $27,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyIrving IsdPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between benefits assistant and human resources assistant education

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Benefits assistant vs human resources assistant demographics

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Assistant
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 15.7% Female, 84.3%Male, 15.9% Female, 84.1%
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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 10.4% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage9%15%

Differences between benefits assistant and human resources assistant 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 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

Benefits assistant vs human resources assistant skills

Common benefits assistant skills
  • Human Resources, 10%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Cobra, 7%
  • Health Insurance, 7%
  • Open Enrollment, 6%
  • HRIS, 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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