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Benefits assistant vs human resources generalist

The differences between benefits assistants 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 benefits assistant and a human resources generalist. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, 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 resources generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Benefits assistant vs human resources generalist overview

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$39,850$56,159
Hourly rate$19.16$27.00
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs25,33744,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
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 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.

Benefits assistant vs human resources generalist salary

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$39,850$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $50,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyIrving IsdMicrosoft
Best paying industryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between benefits assistant and human resources generalist education

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Benefits assistant vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Benefits AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4541
Gender ratioMale, 15.7% Female, 84.3%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
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, 10.4% 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 benefits assistant and human resources generalist 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.
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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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Benefits assistant vs human resources generalist skills

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