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Human resources clerk vs human resources supervisor

The differences between human resources clerks and human resources supervisors 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 clerk, becoming a human resources supervisor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a human resources supervisor has an average salary of $64,757, which is higher than the $35,149 average annual salary of a human resources clerk.

The top three skills for a human resources clerk include data entry, customer service and background checks. The most important skills for a human resources supervisor are customer service, state laws, and payroll processing.

Human resources clerk vs human resources supervisor overview

Human Resources ClerkHuman Resources Supervisor
Yearly salary$35,149$64,757
Hourly rate$16.90$31.13
Growth rate-7%
Number of jobs107,37446,523
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4347
Years of experience26

What does a human resources clerk do?

A human resources clerk's role focuses on assisting in the hiring process within a company or organization. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around posting hiring notices on various platforms, handling job applications, arranging schedules and appointments for interviews, verifying requirements, and responding to calls and inquiries. Besides participating in the hiring process, a human resources clerk also has administrative duties such as maintaining employee information and records, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, and assisting newly hired employees. This is all done in adherence to a company's policies and regulations.

What does a human resources supervisor do?

A human resources supervisor is an individual responsible for developing and administering human resources programs so that the company can achieve efficient operations. Human resources supervisors coordinate all stages of the hiring process, such as checking all candidates' backgrounds, conducting interviews, and drug screening. They address conflicts among employees, investigate employee problems, and work with management to administer employee discipline or corrective action. The human resources supervisor also develops training and development programs for their salaried employees.

Human resources clerk vs human resources supervisor salary

Human resources clerks and human resources supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Resources ClerkHuman Resources Supervisor
Average salary$35,149$64,757
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $45,000Between $47,000 And $88,000
Highest paying CityAuburn, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateOregonCalifornia
Best paying companyUniversity of Massachusetts BostonGenentech
Best paying industryGovernmentManufacturing

Differences between human resources clerk and human resources supervisor education

There are a few differences between a human resources clerk and a human resources supervisor in terms of educational background:

Human Resources ClerkHuman Resources Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources clerk vs human resources supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between human resources clerks' and human resources supervisors' demographics:

Human Resources ClerkHuman Resources Supervisor
Average age4347
Gender ratioMale, 15.0% Female, 85.0%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%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 Percentage15%18%

Differences between human resources clerk and human resources supervisor duties and responsibilities

Human resources clerk example 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.
  • Utilize the Kronos system to retrieve time bank information, alter hours for correction, verify accurate processing.
  • Track all 2nd and 3rd shift attendance by running reports in Kronos and transferring attendance data into PeopleSoft.
  • Show more

Human resources supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage and lead service team initiatives/special projects (i.e., ADP conversion, corporate mergers, and teamwork events).
  • Manage HRIS database system and provide monthly reports to executive management.
  • Manage job-reclassification project, conducting occupational research to determine if job titles are synchronized with FLSA norms.
  • Utilize KRONOS and ADP to import and process payroll.
  • Review all exempt positions to determine classification and conduct audits to ensure FLSA compliance.
  • Maintain all company leave of absence (including work-relate injuries, non work-relate leaves and FMLA, etc .).
  • Show more

Human resources clerk vs human resources supervisor skills

Common human resources clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Background Checks, 7%
  • I-9, 5%
  • HRIS, 4%
  • Front Desk, 4%
Common human resources supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • State Laws, 9%
  • Payroll Processing, 5%
  • Personnel Actions, 4%
  • HRIS, 4%
  • ISO, 3%

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