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Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative associate

The differences between human resources administrative assistants and administrative associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a human resources administrative assistant, becoming an administrative associate takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a human resources administrative assistant has an average salary of $37,044, which is higher than the $34,873 average annual salary of an administrative associate.

The top three skills for a human resources administrative assistant include customer service, data entry and background checks. The most important skills for an administrative associate are administrative tasks, purchase orders, and customer service.

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative associate overview

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Associate
Yearly salary$37,044$34,873
Hourly rate$17.81$16.77
Growth rate8%-8%
Number of jobs72,86154,499
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4150
Years of experience62

What does a human resources administrative assistant do?

A human resources administrative assistant is responsible for performing administrative tasks such as gathering and processing necessary documentation, preparing timely reports and evaluations, arranging schedules, maintaining and monitoring record databases, and responding to inquiries. Aside from assisting human resource officers in their tasks, they can also lend a hand in screening and training new workforce members. Furthermore, because a human resources administrative assistant holds the employee database, they need to coordinate with other departments and employees to ensure that everyone receives what is needed.

What does an administrative associate do?

An administrative associate is responsible for performing various tasks such as handling and processing paperwork, attending meetings and preparing minutes, responding to inquiries and other forms of correspondence, keeping accurate records, updating databases, and monitoring the company's financial activities. They also communicate with various department personnel, ensuring coordination should any important matter would arise. Furthermore, as an administrative associate, they are in charge of procuring supplies, implementing company policies, and supporting any staff members if needed.

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative associate salary

Human resources administrative assistants and administrative associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Associate
Average salary$37,044$34,873
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $49,000Between $23,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew York
Best paying companyEmory UniversityLord Abbett
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between human resources administrative assistant and administrative associate education

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

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaWestern Carolina University

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative associate demographics

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

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Associate
Average age4150
Gender ratioMale, 9.3% Female, 90.7%Male, 21.6% Female, 78.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 7.7% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%6%

Differences between human resources administrative assistant and administrative associate duties and responsibilities

Human resources administrative assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage unemployment verification process and enter employee changes into PeopleSoft.
  • Labor hours, PTO, accident reports and training records are all track through data entry and issuance of reports.
  • Handle and make necessary changes to payroll processes/system daily by using KRONOS.
  • Enter and balance payroll, certify payroll and send ACH file to bank.
  • Assist with the instruction and training of new associates regarding KRONOS punches, attendance policies, and payroll incentive programs.
  • Submit employment of identification per e-verify.
  • Show more

Administrative associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage consultants' calendar, arrange travel, paid bills via QuickBooks software.
  • Support medical doctors, manage sensitive and confidential records pertaining to high risk patients with emphasis on accuracy.
  • Enter invoices in QuickBooks and P2P.
  • Fulfill medical record requests from patients, providers and insurance companies in a HIPAA compliant way.
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations and address day to day general operations and office procedures.
  • Prepare PowerPoint & other digital media for presentations that are distributed to upper management.
  • Show more

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative associate skills

Common human resources administrative assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Background Checks, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • HRIS, 4%
  • Travel Arrangements, 4%
Common administrative associate skills
  • Administrative Tasks, 12%
  • Purchase Orders, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Telephone Calls, 9%
  • Travel Arrangements, 9%
  • Patients, 8%

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