Post job

What is a human resources associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted experts
Denise Barton,
Thomas Byrnes
introduction image

A human resources associate works at the entry-level to assist with various HR functions. They typically work in a corporate or organizational setting to recruit and onboard employees and maintain performance or employment records. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and multitasking. Human resources associates may also assist with benefits administration, performance management, and employee relations. They ensure HR processes run smoothly and provide employees with support throughout their tenure.

What general advice would you give to a human resources associate?

Denise BartonDenise Barton LinkedIn profile

Senior Professor of Human Resources, Wake Technical Community College

I would advise graduates beginning their careers to earn a human resources certification from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Both organizations are internationally recognized for high-quality HR knowledge-based exams.
ScoreHuman Resources AssociateUS Average
Salary
4.4

Avg. Salary $56,636

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.0

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 8.02%

Black or African American 10.96%

Hispanic or Latino 18.64%

Unknown 5.17%

White 56.60%

Gender

female 78.84%

male 21.16%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress level
8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a human resources associate?

Pros

  • Opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds

  • Opportunity for career advancement within the HR field

  • Competitive salary and benefits packages

  • Possibility of working remotely or having flexible work arrangements

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge HR technology

Cons

  • Long hours and tight deadlines, especially during peak seasons

  • May need to work weekends or holidays depending on company needs

  • High degree of responsibility for ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards

  • Risk of burnout due to high workload and emotional demands of the job

  • Limited ability to directly influence company strategy or decision-making

Human resources associate career paths

Key steps to become a human resources associate

  1. Explore human resources associate education requirements

    Most common human resources associate degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.1 %

    Master's

    13.1 %

    Associate

    11.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific human resources associate skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service12.25%
    HRIS7.65%
    I-95.79%
    Performance Management5.07%
    Exit Interviews4.79%
  3. Complete relevant human resources associate training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New human resources associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a human resources associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real human resources associate resumes.
  4. Research human resources associate duties and responsibilities

    • Manage timekeeping system (KRONOS), attendance tracking, and reporting.
    • Manage disability vendor relationship and activities and identify HRIS issues.
    • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
    • Develop an on-line PowerPoint presentation explaining benefits for both open enrollment and new hire.
  5. Prepare your human resources associate resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your human resources associate resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a human resources associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable human resources associate resume templates

    Build a professional human resources associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your human resources associate resume.
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
    Human Resources Associate Resume
  6. Apply for human resources associate jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a human resources associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first human resources associate job

Zippi

Are you a human resources associate?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average human resources associate salary

The average human resources associate salary in the United States is $56,636 per year or $27 per hour. Human resources associate salaries range between $39,000 and $80,000 per year.

Average human resources associate salary
$56,636 Yearly
$27.23 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do human resources associates rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Human resources associate reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

It increase ones knowledge about information

Cons

Too task a times and need to do a lot of review


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

I enjoy and I’m great in recruiting in any organization I trust and believe in.

Cons

Nothing.


Working as a human resources associate? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Human resources associate FAQs

Search for human resources associate jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse business and financial jobs