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What is a human resources technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Sarah DeArmond Ph.D.,
Thomas Byrnes
introduction image

Human resource technicians work closely with HR managers in the employee recruitment and selection process. Their job may include verifying credentials on resumes and setting up interviews.

These professionals also handle other responsibilities, like providing training and technical support to new and existing employees. Others include helping to design benefits and training programs, attending career fairs, and meeting with potential hires.

A day in a human resource technician's life may include assembling salary range information in preparation for an interview, verifying the information on applicants' resumes, and sending correspondence to applicants. Human resource technicians may also maintain employee records and update them as needed.

To become a human resource technician, you need a minimum of a high school diploma. You'll also require prior experience working in human resources or recruitment. Employers may also favor applicants with skills like interpersonal communication, computer proficiency, and familiarity with employment laws.

What general advice would you give to a human resources technician?

Sarah DeArmond Ph.D.Sarah DeArmond Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Management and Human Resources Department Chair, Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

I would suggest that anyone beginning their career prepare to listen a lot, ask questions, and keep the mindset that graduation is not the end of their education but rather the beginning.
ScoreHuman Resources TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,933

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
9.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.97%

Asian 8.95%

Black or African American 11.07%

Hispanic or Latino 20.02%

Unknown 5.08%

White 53.90%

Gender

female 77.01%

male 22.99%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Human resources technician career paths

Key steps to become a human resources technician

  1. Explore human resources technician education requirements

    Most common human resources technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.2 %

    Associate

    22.9 %

    Master's

    8.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific human resources technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Human Resources15.09%
    Customer Service12.28%
    Data Entry6.46%
    HRIS5.83%
    Payroll System5.70%
  3. Complete relevant human resources technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New human resources technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a human resources technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real human resources technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional human resources technician certifications

    Human resources technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific human resources technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for human resources technicians include Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research human resources technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage KRONOS time reporting leave tracking and relate policy for a department, division or section.
    • Integrate efforts on actions and programs where joint OPM functional effort are necessary to accomplish recruitment and enhance organizational effectiveness.
    • Develop and implement a training module on payroll and FMLA for new managers.
    • Conduct KRONOS, digital database and digital recorder training on an as need basis.
  6. Prepare your human resources technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your human resources technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a human resources technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable human resources technician resume templates

    Build a professional human resources technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your human resources technician resume.
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
    Human Resources Technician Resume
  7. Apply for human resources technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a human resources technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first human resources technician job

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Average human resources technician salary

The average human resources technician salary in the United States is $40,933 per year or $20 per hour. Human resources technician salaries range between $29,000 and $57,000 per year.

Average human resources technician salary
$40,933 Yearly
$19.68 hourly

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Human resources technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Love taking something that can't be used and giving it life again...


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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