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Personnel assistant vs human resources generalist

The differences between personnel assistants and human resources generalists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a personnel 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 $38,830 average annual salary of a personnel assistant.

The top three skills for a personnel assistant include human resources, data entry and office equipment. The most important skills for a human resources generalist are HRIS, performance management, and customer service.

Personnel assistant vs human resources generalist overview

Personnel AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Yearly salary$38,830$56,159
Hourly rate$18.67$27.00
Growth rate-8%
Number of jobs6,68444,365
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4341
Years of experience26

What does a personnel assistant do?

Personnel assistants are professionals who perform administrative duties while assisting the human resources director to maintain and keep the records and confidential files of employees working in an organization. These assistants must communicate with all personnel about their compensation policies while ensuring that the company policies and procedures are consistently applied. They are required to coordinate with supervisors to create job descriptions and develop recruiting advertisements. Personnel assistants must also purchase office supplies while maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of their office area.

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.

Personnel assistant vs human resources generalist salary

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

Personnel AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average salary$38,830$56,159
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $41,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityMonterey, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & GarrisonMicrosoft
Best paying industryNon ProfitsTechnology

Differences between personnel assistant and human resources generalist education

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

Personnel AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Personnel assistant vs human resources generalist demographics

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

Personnel AssistantHuman Resources Generalist
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 18.5% Female, 81.5%Male, 20.5% Female, 79.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 9.1% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 Percentage15%9%

Differences between personnel assistant and human resources generalist duties and responsibilities

Personnel assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage new employee orientation training, including e-verify.
  • Maintain employee's timekeeping and personnel records.
  • Coordinate staff reports, monthly activity, insurance updates and EEO activity.
  • Record data for each employee, including absences, coaching and timekeeping.
  • Maintain and handle confidential information such as grievances, EEO relate matters, etc.
  • Create and maintain a database for the sick line, FMLA tracking, payroll document tracking, and benefit adjustment tracking.
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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

Personnel assistant vs human resources generalist skills

Common personnel assistant skills
  • Human Resources, 16%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Office Equipment, 7%
  • CAC, 5%
  • Personnel Actions, 4%
  • Background Checks, 4%
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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