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Human resources generalist vs human resources clerk

The differences between human resources generalists and human resources clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a human resources generalist, becoming a human resources clerk takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, which is higher than the $35,149 average annual salary of a human resources clerk.

The top three skills for a human resources generalist include HRIS, performance management and customer service. The most important skills for a human resources clerk are data entry, customer service, and background checks.

Human resources generalist vs human resources clerk overview

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Clerk
Yearly salary$56,159$35,149
Hourly rate$27.00$16.90
Growth rate8%-
Number of jobs44,365107,374
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4143
Years of experience62

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 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.

Human resources generalist vs human resources clerk salary

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Clerk
Average salary$56,159$35,149
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $76,000Between $27,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCAuburn, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkOregon
Best paying companyMicrosoftUniversity of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources clerk education

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Clerk
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources generalist vs human resources clerk demographics

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Clerk
Average age4143
Gender ratioMale, 20.5% Female, 79.5%Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage9%15%

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources clerk 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 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 generalist vs human resources clerk 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 resources clerk skills
  • Data Entry, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Background Checks, 7%
  • I-9, 5%
  • HRIS, 4%
  • Front Desk, 4%

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