Post job

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources consultant

The differences between human resources generalist/managers and senior 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 senior human resources consultant. Additionally, a senior human resources consultant has an average salary of $81,131, 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 senior human resources consultant are healthcare, employee engagement, and workforce planning.

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources consultant overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Consultant
Yearly salary$77,353$81,131
Hourly rate$37.19$39.01
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs46,68262,899
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
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 senior human resources consultant do?

A senior human resources consultant specializes in recommending solutions to optimize a company's human resource operations. Their responsibilities typically revolve around performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing procedures, devising strategies to attain the best employment practices, and developing programs for the benefit of employees. They may also implement the company's policies and regulations, creating new ones as needed. Furthermore, as a senior human resources consultant, it is essential to lead and encourage junior consultants and managers to accomplish goals in adherence to the vision and mission of the company.

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources consultant salary

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Consultant
Average salary$77,353$81,131
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $60,000 And $108,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyAmazonSantander Private Banking International
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

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

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources consultant demographics

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Consultant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 36.3% Female, 63.7%
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 senior 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

Senior human resources consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage AAP plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements.
  • Project leader on Lawson HRIS performance management implementation.
  • Investigate civil/federal FMLA misuse and represent the organization with a positive outcome.
  • Develop FMLA administration/case management process where none exist that receive endorsement by the DOL.
  • Correct and reinforce desire performance improvement behaviors while coaching leaders and associates on newly implement HRIS system.
  • Reduce employment litigation from multiple claims to minimal exposure providing counseling and leadership coaching and partnering with management on resolutions.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior 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 senior human resources consultant skills
  • Healthcare, 7%
  • Employee Engagement, 7%
  • Workforce Planning, 6%
  • Payroll, 6%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • SR, 4%

Browse executive management jobs