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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 | Human Resources Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $77,353 | $71,882 |
| Hourly rate | $37.19 | $34.56 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 46,682 | 52,761 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
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/managers and human resources consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Human Resources Generalist/Manager | Human Resources Consultant | |
| Average salary | $77,353 | $71,882 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $107,000 | Between $53,000 And $95,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Eli Lilly and Company |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a human resources generalist/manager and a human resources consultant in terms of educational background:
| Human Resources Generalist/Manager | Human Resources Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between human resources generalist/managers' and human resources consultants' demographics:
| Human Resources Generalist/Manager | Human Resources Consultant | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.5% Female, 74.5% | Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 18% | 18% |