Post job

Human resources generalist vs human resources technician

The differences between human resources generalists and human resources technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, which is higher than the $40,933 average annual salary of a human resources technician.

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

Human resources generalist vs human resources technician overview

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Technician
Yearly salary$56,159$40,933
Hourly rate$27.00$19.68
Growth rate8%-
Number of jobs44,36539,846
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
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 technician do?

A human resources technician is primarily responsible for performing clerical support tasks in a human resources office. Their duty revolves around preparing and processing documentation, managing schedules, reviewing requirements and applications, participating in planning and executing HR projects and programs, and gathering information as necessary. They must also update and maintain a database, making sure everything is running smoothly. Should there be any issues or inquiries, it is crucial to address and resolve them right away. Furthermore, a human resources technician may participate in the hiring processes, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Human resources generalist vs human resources technician salary

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Technician
Average salary$56,159$40,933
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $76,000Between $29,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCPennsauken, NJ
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companyMicrosoftPayPal
Best paying industryTechnologyGovernment

Differences between human resources generalist and human resources technician education

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources generalist vs human resources technician demographics

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

Human Resources GeneralistHuman Resources Technician
Average age4143
Gender ratioMale, 20.5% Female, 79.5%Male, 23.0% Female, 77.0%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 9.0% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage9%15%

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

  • Manage KRONOS time reporting leave tracking and relate policy for a department, division or section.
  • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Develop and implement a training module on payroll and FMLA for new managers.
  • Conduct KRONOS, digital database and digital recorder training on an as need basis.
  • Enter all benefit data into PeopleSoft application.
  • Generate initial paperwork for FMLA and short/long term disability.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist vs human resources technician 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 technician skills
  • Human Resources, 15%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Data Entry, 6%
  • HRIS, 6%
  • Payroll System, 6%
  • Personnel Actions, 6%

Browse business and financial jobs