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Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources manager

The differences between human resources generalist/managers and senior 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 senior human resources manager. Additionally, a senior human resources manager has an average salary of $102,806, 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 manager are performance management, employee engagement, and SR.

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources manager overview

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Manager
Yearly salary$77,353$102,806
Hourly rate$37.19$49.43
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs46,68246,602
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 manager do?

As a senior human resources manager, you are responsible for the overall management of human resources involving talent acquisition, performance management, and training and development. You will also handle compensation and benefits, employee services and industrial relations, and personnel administration to ensure a sustainable complement to the company's business operation requirements. It is also part of your role to review, plan, and provide general direction on employee relations programs and activities. The senior human resources manager also does an adequate review of company rules, regulations, and code of conduct and ensures the implementation of employee training and development programs.

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior human resources manager salary

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Manager
Average salary$77,353$102,806
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $107,000Between $73,000 And $143,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonNevada
Best paying companyAmazonBain & Company
Best paying industryFinanceEnergy

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

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Manager
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 manager demographics

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

Human Resources Generalist/ManagerSenior Human Resources Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.5% Female, 74.5%Male, 42.7% Female, 57.3%
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 senior 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

Senior human resources manager example responsibilities.

  • Spearhead HRIS initiatives; transition to new applicant tracking system and develop leads database that strengthen recruitment pipeline.
  • Administer employee action issues including disciplinary procedures, promotions, retention, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.
  • Prevent litigation by thoroughly investigating numerous harassment, discrimination, and other EEO cases.
  • Expand functionality to meet enhance reporting needs relate to payroll accruals and performance measurements.
  • Implement total quality management initiative by moving FMLA administration from 3rd party outsourcing to in-house.
  • Create automated offer letters and appropriate HRIS documentation for transfers, eliminating additional recruitment and operational support.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist/manager vs senior 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 senior human resources manager skills
  • Performance Management, 10%
  • Employee Engagement, 6%
  • SR, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Succession Planning, 4%

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