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Head of human resources vs human resources generalist

The differences between heads of human resources 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 head of human resources and a human resources generalist. Additionally, a head of human resources has an average salary of $164,136, which is higher than the $56,159 average annual salary of a human resources generalist.

The top three skills for a head of human resources include EEO, excellent interpersonal and HRIS. The most important skills for a human resources generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Head of human resources vs human resources generalist overview

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$164,136$56,159
Hourly rate$78.91$27.00
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs54,20944,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4741
Years of experience66

What does a head of human resources do?

Head of human resources leads human resource projects, such as compensation plans revisions. They implement functional internal databases and HRMS across each department and location.

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.

Head of human resources vs human resources generalist salary

Heads of human resources and human resources generalists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$164,136$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $105,000 And $255,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MNWashington, DC
Highest paying stateMaineNew York
Best paying companyCitiMicrosoft
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between head of human resources and human resources generalist education

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

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Head of human resources vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Head Of Human ResourcesHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4741
Gender ratioMale, 44.1% Female, 55.9%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage18%9%

Differences between head of human resources and human resources generalist duties and responsibilities

Head of human resources example responsibilities.

  • Manage FMLA, general leaves of absence, and workers compensation programs.
  • Manage recruitment for personnel and initial phone screening with the use of Taleo and Visio.
  • Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
  • Ensure compliance with ISO policies and procedures and perform audits.
  • Top responsible for benefits administration, recruiting, associate relations, FMLA administration.
  • Direct all HRIS transactions, including payroll for employees and freelance staff; recurring payroll tax and other filings.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Head of human resources vs human resources generalist skills

Common head of human resources skills
  • EEO, 8%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 7%
  • HRIS, 6%
  • Employee Engagement, 6%
  • Succession Planning, 5%
  • Strategic Plan, 4%
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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