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Human resources assistant vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources assistants and human resources consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a human resources assistant, becoming a human resources consultant takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a human resources consultant has an average salary of $71,882, which is higher than the $36,498 average annual salary of a human resources assistant.

The top three skills for a human resources assistant include customer service, payroll processing and background checks. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Human resources assistant vs human resources consultant overview

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Consultant
Yearly salary$36,498$71,882
Hourly rate$17.55$34.56
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs40,40852,761
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4347
Years of experience26

What does a human resources assistant do?

Human resources (HR) assistants are responsible for various activities of the human resources department of the organization. This is usually an entry-level position for those who intend to build a career in human resources. Human resources assistants usually do administrative and clerical activities for the department. They are also exposed to various facets of HR, such as recruitment, training, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development. They get trained to do different activities, and as time goes by, they get to have more significant responsibilities within the department.

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.

Human resources assistant vs human resources consultant salary

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Consultant
Average salary$36,498$71,882
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companyPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & GarrisonEli Lilly and Company
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between human resources assistant and human resources consultant education

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Human resources assistant vs human resources consultant demographics

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Consultant
Average age4347
Gender ratioMale, 15.9% Female, 84.1%Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 10.4% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 Percentage15%18%

Differences between human resources assistant and human resources consultant duties and responsibilities

Human resources assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage all candidate activity and conduct full life- cycle recruiting through an applicant tracking system (ATS).
  • Manage new employee orientation training, including e-verify.
  • Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
  • Manage short-term disability and FMLA claims; notified/educate employees of eligibility and qualification requirements.
  • Maximize efficiency of HRIS system by participating in initial design, managing ongoing system enhancements and streamlining reports.
  • Conduct compensation analyses, manage EEO compliance tracking activities and deliver presentations to corporate management regarding process improvement.
  • 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

Human resources assistant vs human resources consultant skills

Common human resources assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Payroll Processing, 8%
  • Background Checks, 8%
  • HRIS, 7%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • Assist Human Resources, 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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