Human resources generalist vs specialist

The differences between human resources generalists and specialists 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 specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a specialist has an average salary of $58,013, 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 specialist are patients, customer service, and work ethic.

Human resources generalist vs specialist overview

	Human Resources Generalist	Specialist
Yearly salary	$56,159	$58,013
Hourly rate	$27.00	$27.89
Growth rate	8%	10%
Number of jobs	44,365	358,433
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age	41	42
Years of experience	6	2

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 specialist do?

Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.

Human resources generalist vs specialist salary

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Specialist
Average salary	$56,159	$58,013
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $76,000	Between $32,000 And $104,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Jersey City, NJ
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Microsoft	The Citadel
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between human resources generalist and specialist education

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Human resources generalist vs specialist demographics

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

	Human Resources Generalist	Specialist
Average age	41	42
Gender ratio	Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%	Male, 47.5% Female, 52.5%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	9%	11%

Differences between human resources generalist and 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.

Specialist example responsibilities.

Create, manage, and assist users with SharePoint sites.
Manage an on-site IRB and company good clinical practice (GCP) inspection.
Manage SharePoint sites by creating, editing, and customizing company sites, libraries and security.
Manage the building of accounts, assigning of static IP's, and scheduling of business class installations.
Convert servers from UNIX to Linux, all hardware diagnostics and repair including printers/plotters/desktops etc.
Follow safety procedures such as maintenance of all equipment (Telxon scanners, terminals and ladders).

Human resources generalist vs 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 specialist skills

Patients, 15%
Customer Service, 11%
Work Ethic, 5%
Patient Care, 4%
Exceptional Client, 4%
Troubleshoot, 4%

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Human Resources Generalist
Human Resources Generalist vs Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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