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Human resources generalist vs human resource specialist

The differences between human resources generalists and human resource specialists 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 generalist and a human resource specialist. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, which is higher than the $53,143 average annual salary of a human resource specialist.

The top three skills for a human resources generalist include HRIS, performance management and customer service. The most important skills for a human resource specialist are data entry, oversight, and life insurance.

Human resources generalist vs human resource specialist overview

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resource Specialist
Yearly salary$56,159$53,143
Hourly rate$27.00$25.55
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs44,36550,511
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4141
Years of experience66

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.

What does a human resource specialist do?

A human resources specialist is responsible for assisting in the recruitment and staffing process. Duties of a human resources specialist include updating the requirements and qualifications of a job post, handling employees' inquiries regarding compensation and benefits, maintaining employees' records, updating the status of new joiners, tracking performance reviews, and generating reports as business requires. A human resource specialist must be detail-oriented, as well as excellent in organizational and communication skills. Additionally, a human resource specialist must have a broad knowledge of the recruitment process and structure.

Human resources generalist vs human resource specialist salary

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resource Specialist
Average salary$56,159$53,143
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $76,000Between $36,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companyMicrosoftMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between human resources generalist and human resource specialist education

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resource Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources generalist vs human resource specialist demographics

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resource Specialist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 20.5% Female, 79.5%Male, 26.9% Female, 73.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 56.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between human resources generalist and human resource specialist duties and responsibilities

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 resource specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage site KRONOS payroll, time and attendance, and vacation tracking for hourly.
  • Manage new hire and current employee paperwork that includes status change forms, W-4s, I-9s, etc.
  • Lead a compliance initiative to ensure successful transition to the e-Verify employment verification process.
  • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Advise, coach, and counsele managers and Sr.
  • Assist with affirmative action reporting, VETS100 and EEO-1 submission.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist vs human resource specialist skills

Common human resources generalist skills
  • HRIS, 9%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 3%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 3%
Common human resource specialist skills
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Oversight, 9%
  • Life Insurance, 9%
  • Human Resources Policies, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Timekeeping, 5%

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