Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources consultant

The differences between payroll & human resources assistants and human resources consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a payroll & human resources assistant, becoming a human resources consultant takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a human resources consultant has an average salary of $71,882, which is higher than the $41,680 average annual salary of a payroll & human resources assistant.

The top three skills for a payroll & human resources assistant include data entry, assist human resources and background checks. The most important skills for a human resources consultant are performance management, shared services, and workforce planning.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources consultant overview

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Consultant
Yearly salary	$41,680	$71,882
Hourly rate	$20.04	$34.56
Growth rate	-3%	7%
Number of jobs	45,318	52,761
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	48	47
Years of experience	4	6

What does a payroll & human resources assistant do?

The main duty of a Payroll & Human Resources Assistant is to provide payroll information through collecting time and attendance records. They also answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other important information.

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.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources consultant salary

Payroll & human resources assistants and human resources consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Consultant
Average salary	$41,680	$71,882
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $53,000 And $95,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New Jersey
Best paying company	Compunetix	Eli Lilly and Company
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between payroll & human resources assistant and human resources consultant education

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

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Consultant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Northwestern University

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources consultant demographics

Here are the differences between payroll & human resources assistants' and human resources consultants' demographics:

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Consultant
Average age	48	47
Gender ratio	Male, 10.3% Female, 89.7%	Male, 31.6% Female, 68.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%	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	10%	18%

Differences between payroll & human resources assistant and human resources consultant duties and responsibilities

Payroll & human resources assistant example responsibilities.

Manage and track PTO eligibility.
Manage new employee orientation training, including e-verify.
Update HRIS system with election updates, notify carriers of changes and perform reconciliation of payroll deductions with vendor invoices.
Streamline and update payroll processes and procedures in addition to implementing new time and attendance systems, HRIS and record keeping.
Work on Microsoft outlook, word, excel, KRONOS timekeeper and other programs on AS400.
Maintain attendance tracking system by recording employee tardy/absentee information, vacation hours earn and used, and FMLA time used.

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.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources consultant skills

Common payroll & human resources assistant skills

Data Entry, 6%
Assist Human Resources, 6%
Background Checks, 6%
ADP Payroll, 5%
Payroll Processing, 5%
Payroll System, 5%

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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Payroll & Human Resources Assistant
Payroll & Human Resources Assistant vs Human Resources Consultant

Updated January 8, 2025

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