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Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources generalist/managers 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/manager and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources generalist/manager has an average salary of $77,353, which is higher than the $71,882 average annual salary of a human resources consultant.

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

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources consultant overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Consultant
Yearly salary$77,353$71,882
Hourly rate$37.19$34.56
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs46,68252,761
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4747
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 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/manager vs human resources consultant salary

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Consultant
Average salary$77,353$71,882
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyAmazonEli Lilly and Company
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between human resources generalist/manager and human resources consultant education

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources consultant demographics

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Consultant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
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, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between human resources generalist/manager and human resources consultant 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 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.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources consultant 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 resources consultant skills
  • Performance Management, 9%
  • Shared Services, 8%
  • Workforce Planning, 8%
  • Employee Engagement, 7%
  • Payroll, 6%
  • Customer Service, 4%

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