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Human resources associate vs human resources generalist

The differences between human resources associates and human resources generalists 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 generalist. Additionally, a human resources associate has an average salary of $56,636, which is higher than the $56,159 average annual salary of a human resources generalist.

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

Human resources associate vs human resources generalist overview

Human Resources AssociateHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$56,636$56,159
Hourly rate$27.23$27.00
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs43,49644,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

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 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 associate vs human resources generalist salary

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

Human Resources AssociateHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$56,636$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $80,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companyCitiMicrosoft
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between human resources associate and human resources generalist education

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

Human Resources AssociateHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources associate vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Human Resources AssociateHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 21.2% Female, 78.8%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between human resources associate and human resources generalist 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.
  • Show more

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

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