Receptionist/human resources assistant vs human resources clerk

The differences between receptionist/human resources assistants and human resources clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a receptionist/human resources assistant and a human resources clerk. Additionally, a receptionist/human resources assistant has an average salary of $35,765, which is higher than the $35,149 average annual salary of a human resources clerk.

The top three skills for a receptionist/human resources assistant include greeting visitors, data entry and customer service. The most important skills for a human resources clerk are data entry, customer service, and background checks.

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs human resources clerk overview

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Yearly salary	$35,765	$35,149
Hourly rate	$17.19	$16.90
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	63,704	107,374
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a receptionist/human resources assistant do?

Receptionists/human resources assistants perform a wide range of administrative duties. Chiefly, they are required to answer employee questions, process mail, create and distribute documents, giving customer service to employees, and serving as a liaison with vendors and administrators. This is a position that demands proficiency in written and verbal communication, as well as word processing, calendaring, and spreadsheet skills. Also, a positive attitude and flexibility is a definite must.

What does a human resources clerk do?

A human resources clerk's role focuses on assisting in the hiring process within a company or organization. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around posting hiring notices on various platforms, handling job applications, arranging schedules and appointments for interviews, verifying requirements, and responding to calls and inquiries. Besides participating in the hiring process, a human resources clerk also has administrative duties such as maintaining employee information and records, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, and assisting newly hired employees. This is all done in adherence to a company's policies and regulations.

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs human resources clerk salary

Receptionist/human resources assistants and human resources clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Average salary	$35,765	$35,149
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $43,000	Between $27,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	Auburn, NY
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	University of Massachusetts Boston
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between receptionist/human resources assistant and human resources clerk education

There are a few differences between a receptionist/human resources assistant and a human resources clerk in terms of educational background:

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs human resources clerk demographics

Here are the differences between receptionist/human resources assistants' and human resources clerks' demographics:

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Human Resources Clerk
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%	Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% Asian, 8.1% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between receptionist/human resources assistant and human resources clerk duties and responsibilities

Receptionist/human resources assistant example responsibilities.

Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
Prepare PowerPoint presentations for all new hires.
Set up systems, for FMLA tracking, benefits and EEO tracking.
Investigate and resolve EEO complaints internally and with EEOC and local agencies.
Select to attend week-long training relate to all aspects of using ADP payroll system.
Update reports on a daily basis resulting in the strict compliance of EEO requirements.

Human resources clerk example responsibilities.

Manage mail, postage, bank deposits and FedEx runs, etc.
Manage timesheets for payroll, account for all employees, and enter information into QuickBooks.
Operate TALEO software system for managing prospective and current employee application status and procedures
Enter all payroll/timekeeping information into payroll system, including leave slips for vacations, flex time, bereavement and/or FMLA.
Utilize the Kronos system to retrieve time bank information, alter hours for correction, verify accurate processing.
Track all 2nd and 3rd shift attendance by running reports in Kronos and transferring attendance data into PeopleSoft.

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs human resources clerk skills

Common receptionist/human resources assistant skills

Greeting Visitors, 11%
Data Entry, 10%
Customer Service, 8%
Phone Calls, 7%
Background Checks, 7%
Front Desk, 6%

Common human resources clerk skills

Data Entry, 16%
Customer Service, 14%
Background Checks, 7%
I-9, 5%
HRIS, 4%
Front Desk, 4%

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Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant
Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant vs Human Resources Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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