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Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources manager

The differences between human resources generalist/managers and human resources managers 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 manager. Additionally, a human resources manager has an average salary of $80,442, 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 manager are performance management, customer service, and payroll processing.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources manager overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Manager
Yearly salary$77,353$80,442
Hourly rate$37.19$38.67
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs46,68243,453
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
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 manager do?

Human resources managers, or HR managers, are responsible for the overall conduct of the different facets of human resources in the organization. They oversee the different processes involved in recruitment, compensation and benefits, talent development, organizational development, employee relations, and employee engagement. It is important that HR managers are well-versed in the different facets of HR. They set policies and procedures, as well as guiding principles of the organization related to these facets. They must be able to balance the needs of the employees and the rules of the management team. HR managers should have strong decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and management skills.

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources manager salary

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Manager
Average salary$77,353$80,442
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $56,000 And $113,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSacramento, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAmazonBain & Company
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

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

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources manager demographics

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerHuman Resources Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%
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 manager 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 manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage audit efforts to ensure compliance with OFCCP and EEOC standards
  • Manage requisitions, rout candidates and determine the disposition of each candidate using iCIMS.
  • Manage all monthly and quarterly financial statement reviews by board as well as A/R, A/P and general ledger.
  • Manage, implement, and administer proper hiring process to reduce turnover in compliance with e-verify processes and federal law.
  • Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
  • Manage system upgrades, testing and documentation of enterprise-wide PeopleSoft Payroll/HRMS system.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs human resources manager 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 manager skills
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Payroll Processing, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Employee Engagement, 5%
  • EEO, 4%

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