Receptionist/human resources assistant vs payroll & human resources assistant

The differences between receptionist/human resources assistants and payroll & human resources assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a receptionist/human resources assistant, becoming a payroll & human resources assistant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a payroll & human resources assistant has an average salary of $41,680, which is higher than the $35,765 average annual salary of a receptionist/human resources assistant.

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

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs payroll & human resources assistant overview

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant
Yearly salary	$35,765	$41,680
Hourly rate	$17.19	$20.04
Growth rate	-	-3%
Number of jobs	63,704	45,318
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age	43	48
Years of experience	2	4

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 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.

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs payroll & human resources assistant salary

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

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant
Average salary	$35,765	$41,680
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $43,000	Between $29,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New York
Best paying company	-	Compunetix
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between receptionist/human resources assistant and payroll & human resources assistant education

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

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant
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 payroll & human resources assistant demographics

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

	Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant	Payroll & Human Resources Assistant
Average age	43	48
Gender ratio	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%	Male, 10.3% Female, 89.7%
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, 8.8% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 6.2% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage	15%	10%

Differences between receptionist/human resources assistant and payroll & human resources assistant 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.

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.

Receptionist/human resources assistant vs payroll & human resources assistant 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 payroll & human resources assistant skills

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

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Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant
Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant vs Payroll & Human Resources Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

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