Post Job

What is a human resources clerk and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Sarah DeArmond Ph.D.,
Thomas Byrnes
introduction image

Human resources clerks handle the administrative tasks that are needed to help an HR department run smoothly. Most of their duties revolve around hiring new candidates. They handle organizational tasks such as posting openings, scheduling interviews, and processing resumes using software. Human resources clerks also help current employees by entering payroll data and organizing training sessions. They write employee reviews certifying that workers are doing a good job. Although much of their work revolves around data entry and writing reports, human resources clerks also need excellent communication skills. They are the face of the organization to many applicants and workers and help answer any questions.

Many human resources clerks are able to find work with only a high school diploma. However, an associate's or a bachelor's degree makes it easier to find work.

Since this is an entry-level position, human resources clerks don't need many years of professional experience, although a year or two of administrative experience would help a candidate stand out from the crowd. Human resources clerks earn an average salary of $31,086 a year.

What general advice would you give to a Human Resources Clerk?

Sarah DeArmond Ph.D.Sarah DeArmond Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Management and Human Resources Department Chair, Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

I would suggest that anyone beginning their career prepare to listen a lot, ask questions, and keep the mindset that graduation is not the end of their education but rather the beginning.
ScoreHuman Resources ClerkUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $35,149

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
8.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.95%

Asian 8.75%

Black or African American 11.64%

Hispanic or Latino 21.45%

Unknown 4.95%

White 52.25%

Gender

female 85.04%

male 14.96%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Stress Level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.9

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.0

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Newest jobs for Human Resources Clerk in Ashburn, VA

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Human Resources Clerk career paths

Key steps to become a human resources clerk

  1. Explore human resources clerk education requirements

    Most common human resources clerk degrees

    Bachelor's

    43.9 %

    Associate

    25.8 %

    High School Diploma

    17.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific human resources clerk skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Data Entry16.40%
    Customer Service14.11%
    Background Checks7.17%
    I-94.54%
    HRIS4.37%
  3. Complete relevant human resources clerk training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New human resources clerks 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 clerk based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real human resources clerk resumes.
  4. Gain additional human resources clerk certifications

    Human resources clerk certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific human resources clerk certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for human resources clerks include Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research human resources clerk duties and responsibilities

    • Manage mail, postage, bank deposits and FedEx runs, etc.
    • Manage timesheets for payroll, account for all employees, and enter information into QuickBooks.
    • Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
    • Enter all payroll/timekeeping information into payroll system, including leave slips for vacations, flex time, bereavement and/or FMLA.
  6. Prepare your human resources clerk resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your human resources clerk 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 clerk 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 Clerk Resume templates

    Build a professional Human Resources Clerk 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 Clerk resume.
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
    Human Resources Clerk Resume
  7. Apply for human resources clerk jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a human resources clerk 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 Clerk Job

Zippi

Are you a Human Resources Clerk?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average human resources clerk salary

The average Human Resources Clerk salary in the United States is $35,149 per year or $17 per hour. Human resources clerk salaries range between $27,000 and $45,000 per year.

Average Human Resources Clerk Salary
$35,149 Yearly
$16.90 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do human resources clerks rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Human Resources Clerk reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Cons

Nothing.


Working as a Human Resources Clerk? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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 office and administrative jobs