Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources generalist

The differences between payroll & human resources assistants and human resources generalists 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 generalist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a human resources generalist has an average salary of $56,159, 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 generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources generalist overview

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Generalist
Yearly salary	$41,680	$56,159
Hourly rate	$20.04	$27.00
Growth rate	-3%	8%
Number of jobs	45,318	44,365
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	48	41
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 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.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources generalist salary

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

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Generalist
Average salary	$41,680	$56,159
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $59,000	Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	New York	New York
Best paying company	Compunetix	Microsoft
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

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

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

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

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources generalist demographics

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

	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Generalist
Average age	48	41
Gender ratio	Male, 10.3% Female, 89.7%	Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 8.0% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	9%

Differences between payroll & human resources assistant and human resources generalist 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 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.

Payroll & human resources assistant vs human resources generalist 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 generalist skills

HRIS, 9%
Performance Management, 7%
Customer Service, 5%
Exit Interviews, 4%
Payroll Processing, 3%
Excellent Interpersonal, 3%

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Payroll & Human Resources Assistant vs Human Resources Generalist

Updated January 8, 2025

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