Human resources generalist vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources generalists 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 generalist and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources consultant has an average salary of $71,882, which is higher than the $56,159 average annual salary of a human resources generalist.

The top three skills for a human resources generalist include HRIS, performance management and customer service. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Human resources generalist vs human resources consultant overview

	Human Resources Generalist	Human Resources Consultant
Yearly salary	$56,159	$71,882
Hourly rate	$27.00	$34.56
Growth rate	8%	7%
Number of jobs	44,365	52,761
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	41	47
Years of experience	6	6

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 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 generalist vs human resources consultant salary

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Human Resources Consultant
Average salary	$56,159	$71,882
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $76,000	Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Microsoft	Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources consultant education

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Human Resources Consultant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Northwestern University

Human resources generalist vs human resources consultant demographics

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Human Resources Consultant
Average age	41	47
Gender ratio	Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%	Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratio	Black 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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	18%

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources consultant 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.

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.

Human resources generalist vs human resources consultant 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 consultant skills

Performance Management, 9%
Shared Services, 8%
Workforce Planning, 8%
Employee Engagement, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Customer Service, 4%

Human Resources Generalist vs. similar jobs

Human Resources Generalist related careers

Human Resources Generalist related jobs

Human Resources Generalist jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Business and Financial Industry
Human Resources Generalist
Human Resources Generalist vs Human Resources Consultant

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs