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Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources lead

The differences between human resources generalist/managers and human resources leads 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 lead. Additionally, a human resources lead has an average salary of $102,531, which is higher than the $77,353 average annual salary of a human resources generalist/manager.

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 lead are project management, employee engagement, and customer service.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources lead overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Lead
Yearly salary$77,353$102,531
Hourly rate$37.19$49.29
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs46,68248,122
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
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 lead do?

A Human Resource Leader is responsible for achieving set goals for the HR department. Their duties include implementing strategies as well as recruiting, training, and keeping highly skilled employees.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources lead salary

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Lead
Average salary$77,353$102,531
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $63,000 And $165,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSanta Clara, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonNevada
Best paying companyAmazonMayer Brown
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

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

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Lead
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources lead demographics

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Lead
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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 lead 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 lead example responsibilities.

  • Define the strategy and manage the HIPAA program for county communication & training.
  • Explain the RFP process and lead a team of around 30 through the entire process.
  • Manage all weekly status reports, data tracking, communications, training & internal SharePoint sites to support.
  • Provide assistance in the interpretation and application of government laws, i.e., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, etc.
  • Direct a team of project managers in the allocation of PMO resources.
  • Maintain all activities and processes according to PMO guidelines and SDLC methodology.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources lead 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 lead skills
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Employee Engagement, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Succession Planning, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • EEO, 4%

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