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Human resources executive vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources executives 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 executive and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources executive has an average salary of $84,219, which is higher than the $71,882 average annual salary of a human resources consultant.

The top three skills for a human resources executive include payroll, data entry and performance management. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Human resources executive vs human resources consultant overview

Human Resources ExecutiveHuman Resources Consultant
Yearly salary$84,219$71,882
Hourly rate$40.49$34.56
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs109,17252,761
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does a human resources executive do?

A human resources executive is primarily in charge of developing and spearheading human resources programs such as benefits and compensation. They manage different teams, set objectives and guidelines, gather and analyze data, liaise with external parties, coordinate with analysts and specialists, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They must also oversee the employment procedures and participate in screening applicants. Furthermore, a human resources executive must lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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 executive vs human resources consultant salary

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

Human Resources ExecutiveHuman Resources Consultant
Average salary$84,219$71,882
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $124,000Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew Jersey
Best paying companyJPMorgan Chase & Co.Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between human resources executive and human resources consultant education

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

Human Resources ExecutiveHuman Resources Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources executive vs human resources consultant demographics

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

Human Resources ExecutiveHuman Resources Consultant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.9% Female, 74.1%Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage18%18%

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

Human resources executive example responsibilities.

  • Lead development of global HRIS system, enabling access from single point on global basis throughout different time zones.
  • Manage and/or direct several HRIS system changes or modifications resulting in increase efficiency and meeting the organization's increasing needs.
  • Manage compliance review of FLSA classification and analyze headcount and turnover reports and provide recommendations to management regarding appropriate headcount actions.
  • Authore employee manual covering issues like disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.
  • Ensure adherence to all federal and state labor laws including ADA, FMLA, LOA's, etc.
  • Reduce company's costs by manpower planning, budgeting, forecasting, and hiring through a third party vendor.
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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.
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Human resources executive vs human resources consultant skills

Common human resources executive skills
  • Payroll, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Succession Planning, 3%
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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