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Human resources generalist vs human resources lead

The differences between human resources generalists and human resources leads 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 lead. Additionally, a human resources lead has an average salary of $102,531, 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 lead are project management, employee engagement, and customer service.

Human resources generalist vs human resources lead overview

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Lead
Yearly salary$56,159$102,531
Hourly rate$27.00$49.29
Growth rate8%7%
Number of jobs44,36548,122
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4147
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 resources lead do?

A Human Resource Leader is responsible for achieving set goals for the HR department. Their duties include implementing strategies as well as recruiting, training, and keeping highly skilled employees.

Human resources generalist vs human resources lead salary

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Lead
Average salary$56,159$102,531
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $76,000Between $63,000 And $165,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSanta Clara, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkNevada
Best paying companyMicrosoftMayer Brown
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources lead education

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Lead
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Human resources generalist vs human resources lead demographics

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Lead
Average age4147
Gender ratioMale, 20.5% Female, 79.5%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%18%

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources lead 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 lead example responsibilities.

  • Define the strategy and manage the HIPAA program for county communication & training.
  • Explain the RFP process and lead a team of around 30 through the entire process.
  • Manage all weekly status reports, data tracking, communications, training & internal SharePoint sites to support.
  • Provide assistance in the interpretation and application of government laws, i.e., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.
  • Direct a team of project managers in the allocation of PMO resources.
  • Maintain all activities and processes according to PMO guidelines and SDLC methodology.
    • Show more

Human resources generalist vs human resources lead 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 lead skills
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Employee Engagement, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Succession Planning, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • EEO, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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