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Generalist vs human resources consultant

The differences between generalists and human resources consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a generalist and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources consultant has an average salary of $71,882, which is higher than the $46,518 average annual salary of a generalist.

The top three skills for a generalist include sales floor, store sales and customer loyalty. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Generalist vs human resources consultant overview

GeneralistHuman Resources Consultant
Yearly salary$46,518$71,882
Hourly rate$22.36$34.56
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs8,58552,761
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does a generalist do?

A generalist, also known as a human resource generalist, is responsible for overseeing the operations in a human resource department, focusing on employees' welfare and working conditions. They are primarily involved in the hiring and laying off processes among employees, handing training and benefits programs, and coordinating with every department in the company. Furthermore, a generalist must perform administrative tasks that mostly revolve around producing reports and processing paperwork, conducting research and analysis, and responding to correspondence.

What does a human resources consultant do?

A human resources consultant is responsible for supporting the human resources management of an organization by advising on policies and procedures for effective employee relations. Human resources consultants analyze HR programs and current processes and initiate projects to maintain stable operations. They also facilitate strategic plans to resolve HR matters and improve culture management. A human resources consultant must be highly-knowledgeable of the human resources industry, its techniques, regulations, and disciplines to help with the implementation of business advancements and achieve the organization's objectives.

Generalist vs human resources consultant salary

Generalists and human resources consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeneralistHuman Resources Consultant
Average salary$46,518$71,882
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $72,000Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew Jersey
Best paying companyMetaEli Lilly and Company
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between generalist and human resources consultant education

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

GeneralistHuman Resources Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Generalist vs human resources consultant demographics

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

GeneralistHuman Resources Consultant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 37.8% Female, 62.2%Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between generalist and human resources consultant duties and responsibilities

Generalist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain PBX and VoIP phone systems at multiple locations.
  • Manage multiple lab projects for the implementation of new lab analyzers as well as LIS functionality.
  • Plan, install and manage new locations build outs with complete VPN connectivity and VOIP utilization for the multiple locations.
  • Manage UAB and HSF faculty recruitment, staffing needs, terminations, compensation, records management, employee relations and retention.
  • Manage data process flow to ensure employee timekeeping, attendance and payroll objectives are effectively and efficiently maintain.
  • Perform chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, hematology, and blood bank laboratory tests, equipment calibration and quality assurance reports.
  • Show more

Human resources consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage AAP plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements.
  • Advise management on disciplinary actions, compensation, performance management, FMLA issues, and daily policy and procedural interpretation.
  • Handle UN employment claims, safety meetings, and key OSHA information.
  • Prepare cross-check system to ensure compliance with OSHA, EEOC and ADA.
  • Develop payroll relations with ADP and provide application training.
  • Conduct orientations to managers and supervisors on EEO federal/local regulations.
  • Show more

Generalist vs human resources consultant skills

Common generalist skills
  • Sales Floor, 21%
  • Store Sales, 17%
  • Customer Loyalty, 14%
  • Sales Growth, 12%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Processing Customer Transactions, 4%
Common human resources consultant skills
  • Performance Management, 9%
  • Shared Services, 8%
  • Workforce Planning, 8%
  • Employee Engagement, 7%
  • Payroll, 6%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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