Post job

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative support

The differences between human resources administrative assistants and administrative supports 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 support takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an administrative support has an average salary of $37,692, which is higher than the $37,044 average annual salary of a human resources administrative assistant.

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 support are customer service, administrative tasks, and data entry.

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative support overview

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support
Yearly salary$37,044$37,692
Hourly rate$17.81$18.12
Growth rate8%-8%
Number of jobs72,861114,480
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
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 support do?

Administrative support specialists provide different types of governmental assistance. They carry out varied clerical duties in almost all industries. Most of these duties revolve around supervising and distributing information within an organization. This typically includes taking memos, answering phone calls, and managing, storing, and organizing files. They are also responsible for receiving and sending correspondence and greeting customers and clients. Some administrative support may be required to have vast professional knowledge as their duties are more specialized than the others.

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative support salary

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

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support
Average salary$37,044$37,692
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $49,000Between $26,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew JerseyRhode Island
Best paying companyEmory UniversityPacific Investment Management Company LLC
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between human resources administrative assistant and administrative support education

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

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaWestern Carolina University

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative support demographics

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

Human Resources Administrative AssistantAdministrative Support
Average age4150
Gender ratioMale, 9.3% Female, 90.7%Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%6%

Differences between human resources administrative assistant and administrative support 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 support example responsibilities.

  • Manage company finances using QuickBooks software, including monitoring the operating budget and collecting on unpaid invoices.
  • Interview veterans to determine issues/concerns and recommend services.
  • Mail VA benefits correspondence to veterans and various organizations.
  • Prepare payroll packages for distribution and delivery, including collating and packing of documents.
  • Research and maintain reference library with ADAPCP in support of prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
  • Develop SharePoint training of project personal and create operating procedures, training documents and briefings.
  • Show more

Human resources administrative assistant vs administrative support 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 support skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Administrative Tasks, 8%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Payroll, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 6%
  • Patients, 5%

Browse business and financial jobs