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Human resources assistant vs human resources generalist

The differences between human resources assistants and human resources generalists 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 generalist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, 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 generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Human resources assistant vs human resources generalist overview

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$36,498$56,159
Hourly rate$17.55$27.00
Growth rate-8%
Number of jobs40,40844,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4341
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 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 resources assistant vs human resources generalist salary

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$36,498$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $48,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & GarrisonMicrosoft
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between human resources assistant and human resources generalist education

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources assistant vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Human Resources AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 15.9% Female, 84.1%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage15%9%

Differences between human resources assistant and human resources generalist 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.
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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 resources assistant vs human resources generalist 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 generalist skills
  • HRIS, 9%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 3%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 3%

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