Human resources manager vs human resources consultant

The differences between human resources 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 manager and a human resources consultant. Additionally, a human resources manager has an average salary of $80,442, which is higher than the $71,882 average annual salary of a human resources consultant.

The top three skills for a human resources manager include performance management, customer service and payroll processing. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Human resources manager vs human resources consultant overview

	Human Resources Manager	Human Resources Consultant
Yearly salary	$80,442	$71,882
Hourly rate	$38.67	$34.56
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	43,453	52,761
Job satisfaction	4.67	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

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.

What does a human resources consultant do?

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 manager vs human resources consultant salary

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

	Human Resources Manager	Human Resources Consultant
Average salary	$80,442	$71,882
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $113,000	Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	Sacramento, CA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Washington	New Jersey
Best paying company	Bain & Company	Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between human resources manager and human resources consultant education

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

	Human Resources Manager	Human Resources Consultant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	Northwestern University

Human resources manager vs human resources consultant demographics

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

	Human Resources Manager	Human Resources Consultant
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%	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%

Differences between human resources manager and human resources consultant duties and responsibilities

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.

Human resources consultant example responsibilities.

Manage AAP plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements.
Advise management on disciplinary actions, compensation, performance management, FMLA issues, and daily policy and procedural interpretation.
Handle UN employment claims, safety meetings, and key OSHA information.
Prepare cross-check system to ensure compliance with OSHA, EEOC and ADA.
Develop payroll relations with ADP and provide application training.
Conduct orientations to managers and supervisors on EEO federal/local regulations.

Human resources manager vs human resources consultant skills

Common human resources manager skills

Performance Management, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Payroll Processing, 5%
HRIS, 5%
Employee Engagement, 5%
EEO, 4%

Common human resources consultant skills

Performance Management, 9%
Shared Services, 8%
Workforce Planning, 8%
Employee Engagement, 7%
Payroll, 6%
Customer Service, 4%

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Human Resources Manager vs Human Resources Consultant

Updated January 8, 2025

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