Human resources associate vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources associates and human resources consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a human resources associate and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources consultant has an average salary of $71,882, which is higher than the $56,636 average annual salary of a human resources associate.

The top three skills for a human resources associate include customer service, HRIS and I-9. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Human resources associate vs human resources consultant overview

	Human Resources Associate	Human Resources Consultant
Yearly salary	$56,636	$71,882
Hourly rate	$27.23	$34.56
Growth rate	8%	7%
Number of jobs	43,496	52,761
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	41	47
Years of experience	6	6

What does a human resources associate do?

A human resources associate is responsible for supporting the human resources department's operations, updating employees' records within the organization's database, and managing the employees' inquiries and concerns by referencing the human resources policies. Human resources associates assist with staffing and recruitment processes, maintaining a timely job board, and filtering potential candidates' requirements and qualifications. They also respond to payments and benefits concerns and recommend employees' training and programs to maximize their potential, credibility, and productivity for daily operations and project management.

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 associate vs human resources consultant salary

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

	Human Resources Associate	Human Resources Consultant
Average salary	$56,636	$71,882
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $80,000	Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Citi	Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between human resources associate and human resources consultant education

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

	Human Resources Associate	Human Resources Consultant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Northwestern University

Human resources associate vs human resources consultant demographics

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

	Human Resources Associate	Human Resources Consultant
Average age	41	47
Gender ratio	Male, 21.2% Female, 78.8%	Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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 Percentage	9%	18%

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

Human resources associate example 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.
Verify employment background by carrying out e-verify checks and cross checking references.
Identify and escalate recurring payroll systems issues; review and reconcile hours work; create output file for payroll to ADP.

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.

Human resources associate vs human resources consultant skills

Common human resources associate skills

Customer Service, 12%
HRIS, 8%
I-9, 6%
Performance Management, 5%
Exit Interviews, 5%
Payroll Processing, 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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Human Resources Associate
Human Resources Associate vs Human Resources Consultant

Updated January 8, 2025

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