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Human resources generalist/manager vs human resource specialist

The differences between human resources generalist/managers and human resource specialists 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/manager and a human resource specialist. Additionally, a human resources generalist/manager has an average salary of $77,353, which is higher than the $53,143 average annual salary of a human resource specialist.

The top three skills for a human resources generalist/manager include payroll processing, performance management and HRIS. The most important skills for a human resource specialist are data entry, oversight, and life insurance.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resource specialist overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resource Specialist
Yearly salary$77,353$53,143
Hourly rate$37.19$25.55
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs46,68250,511
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4741
Years of experience66

What does a human resources generalist/manager do?

A human resource (HR) generalist performs a variety of HR functions and duties. These include recruiting and interviewing job applicants, conducting background checks and verifying employee eligibility, and implementing new employee orientation and recognition programs. In addition, you will be responsible for administering and executing HR programs, including benefits, disputes and investigations, and compensation. As an HR generalist, you are expected to provide answers to inquiries from applicants, employees, and managers. You are also expected to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws.

What does a human resource specialist do?

A human resources specialist is responsible for assisting in the recruitment and staffing process. Duties of a human resources specialist include updating the requirements and qualifications of a job post, handling employees' inquiries regarding compensation and benefits, maintaining employees' records, updating the status of new joiners, tracking performance reviews, and generating reports as business requires. A human resource specialist must be detail-oriented, as well as excellent in organizational and communication skills. Additionally, a human resource specialist must have a broad knowledge of the recruitment process and structure.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resource specialist salary

Human resources generalist/managers and human resource specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resource Specialist
Average salary$77,353$53,143
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $36,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyAmazonMeta
Best paying industryFinanceGovernment

Differences between human resources generalist/manager and human resource specialist education

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resource Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resource specialist demographics

Here are the differences between human resources generalist/managers' and human resource specialists' demographics:

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resource Specialist
Average age4741
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 26.9% Female, 73.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 56.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage18%9%

Differences between human resources generalist/manager and human resource specialist duties and responsibilities

Human resources generalist/manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage annual open enrollment process including development of communication materials and administration of enrollment changes within HRIS and benefit providers.
  • Provide resolution of complex employee relations issues including sexual harassment, employee misconduct, ADA, and FMLA.
  • Monitor performance appraisal, LOA, FMLA, disciplinary, termination and other processes for compliance with legal and company policies.
  • Audit personnel payroll for accuracy and input confidential employee salary increases into HRIS data system.
  • Reduce employment litigation from multiple claims to minimal exposure providing counseling and leadership coaching and partnering with management on resolutions.
  • Initiate hire process utilizing PeopleSoft program.
  • Show more

Human resource specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage site KRONOS payroll, time and attendance, and vacation tracking for hourly.
  • Manage new hire and current employee paperwork that includes status change forms, W-4s, I-9s, etc.
  • Lead a compliance initiative to ensure successful transition to the e-Verify employment verification process.
  • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Advise, coach, and counsele managers and Sr.
  • Assist with affirmative action reporting, VETS100 and EEO-1 submission.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resource specialist skills

Common human resources generalist/manager skills
  • Payroll Processing, 10%
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • HRIS, 6%
  • Disciplinary Procedures, 5%
  • Workers Compensation, 4%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
Common human resource specialist skills
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Oversight, 9%
  • Life Insurance, 9%
  • Human Resources Policies, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Timekeeping, 5%

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