Post job

Human resources manager vs human resources generalist

The differences between human resources managers and human resources generalists 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 generalist. Additionally, a human resources manager has an average salary of $80,442, which is higher than the $56,159 average annual salary of a human resources generalist.

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 generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Human resources manager vs human resources generalist overview

Human Resources ManagerHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$80,442$56,159
Hourly rate$38.67$27.00
Growth rate7%8%
Number of jobs43,45344,365
Job satisfaction4.674
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4741
Years of experience66

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 generalist do?

A human resources generalist is responsible for monitoring the human resources policies and procedures, making adjustments as needed to align with the company's goals and objectives. Duties of a human resources generalist also include improving employee relations system, organizing compliance and knowledge training, reviewing benefit plans, managing compensation inquiries, assisting in recruitment and staffing needs, communicating with department heads in employees' performance reviews, and storing employees' files for reference. A human resource generalist must have excellent communication and decision-making skills to address issues concerning the company and employees' welfare.

Human resources manager vs human resources generalist salary

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

Human Resources ManagerHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$80,442$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $113,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyBain & CompanyMicrosoft
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between human resources manager and human resources generalist education

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

Human Resources ManagerHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Human resources manager vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Human Resources ManagerHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4741
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage18%9%

Differences between human resources manager and human resources generalist 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.
  • Show more

Human resources generalist example responsibilities.

  • Manage any payroll-relate issues/questions with ADP directly and communicate resolutions to employees.
  • Manage administration and compliance of benefit programs, including FMLA and educational assistance programs.
  • Perform all benefits processing and payroll functions including coordinating and performing employee benefit eligibility and open enrollment activities.
  • Partner with the corporate compensation Sr.
  • Assist with the planning and implementation of KRONOS the organization's HRIS system.
  • Compile data; prepare and present material in PowerPoint presentations for staff meetings.
  • Show more

Human resources manager vs human resources generalist 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 generalist skills
  • HRIS, 9%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 3%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 3%

Browse executive management jobs