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Human factors specialist vs human resources generalist

The differences between human factors specialists 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 human factors specialist and a human resources generalist. Additionally, a human factors specialist has an average salary of $80,877, which is higher than the $56,159 average annual salary of a human resources generalist.

The top three skills for a human factors specialist include user research, user interface and industrial design. The most important skills for a human resources generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Human factors specialist vs human resources generalist overview

Human Factors SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$80,877$56,159
Hourly rate$38.88$27.00
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs40,80544,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

What does a human factors specialist do?

A human factors specialist may also be known as an ergonomist. They work with organizations that train staff, as well as with aeronautical engineers and civil aviation regulators. They are responsible for conducting studies, carrying out evaluations and tests, and researching important information about a product or service. They must be skilled in the art of studying human behavior in different contexts and apply that skill to design objects and facilities that better human well-being and overall system performance.

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.

Human factors specialist vs human resources generalist salary

Human factors specialists and human resources generalists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Factors SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$80,877$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $116,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyAppleMicrosoft
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between human factors specialist and human resources generalist education

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

Human Factors SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human factors specialist vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Human Factors SpecialistHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 42.9% Female, 57.1%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 9.1% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 human factors specialist and human resources generalist duties and responsibilities

Human factors specialist example responsibilities.

  • Reformat and manage team SharePoint page on support unit portal, providing increase accessibility and distribution of team products.
  • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Process arrears payments for employees on LOA or FMLA and other leave as applicable.
  • Coordinate leaves of absence with appropriate laws such as FMLA, work comp and ADA.
  • Categorize non-exempt and exempt positions according to FLSA.
  • Research methods include surveys, questionnaires, laboratory experiments, usability testing, task analyses, prototyping, and human-in-the-loop simulations.
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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.
  • Show more

Human factors specialist vs human resources generalist skills

Common human factors specialist skills
  • User Research, 18%
  • User Interface, 15%
  • Industrial Design, 12%
  • Human Factors Research, 9%
  • I-9, 5%
  • Personnel Policies, 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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