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What is a senior human resources consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Tina Kowalski
introduction image

Senior human resources consultants are professionals that specialize in recommending solutions to optimize an organization's human resource operations. Primarily, as a senior human resources consultant, you have to perform analysis and research to identify the strength and weaknesses of existing procedures. You also have to map out plans and strategies to attain the best employment practices. Also, you have been saddled with the responsibility of developing programs for the benefit of the employees; hence, you must have finance experience in areas like budget forecasting, payroll administration, etc. More importantly, as a senior HR consultant, you must lead and encourage junior managers and consultants to reach goals following the vision and mission of the organization.

To be a successful senior HR consultant, you must possess top-notch leadership skills to lead others toward accomplishment. Also, you must possess organizational skills to work efficiently while focusing on projects being done. You must also possess speaking skills that would enable you to communicate efficiently with a lot of people. Educationally, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree in HR management or business. You will earn an average salary of $85,513 annually.

What general advice would you give to a senior human resources consultant?

Tina KowalskiTina Kowalski LinkedIn profile

Human resources manager, Kowalskis Markets

Keep ongoing. I find this field to be advantageous and satisfying. You have to enjoy interaction and people.
ScoreSenior Human Resources ConsultantUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $81,131

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 63.74%

male 36.26%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior human resources consultant career paths

Key steps to become a senior human resources consultant

  1. Explore senior human resources consultant education requirements

    Most common senior human resources consultant degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.2 %

    Master's

    20.8 %

    Associate

    4.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior human resources consultant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Healthcare7.01%
    Employee Engagement6.54%
    Workforce Planning5.74%
    Payroll5.56%
    Project Management4.65%
  3. Research senior human resources consultant duties and responsibilities

    • Manage AAP plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements.
    • Project leader on Lawson HRIS performance management implementation.
    • Investigate civil/federal FMLA misuse and represent the organization with a positive outcome.
    • Develop FMLA administration/case management process where none exist that receive endorsement by the DOL.
  4. Get senior human resources consultant experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior human resources consultant. The most common roles before becoming a senior human resources consultant include human resources manager, director of human resources team lead and human resources consultant.
  5. Prepare your senior human resources consultant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior human resources consultant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior human resources consultant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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    Senior Human Resources Consultant Resume
    Senior Human Resources Consultant Resume
    Senior Human Resources Consultant Resume
    Senior Human Resources Consultant Resume
    Senior Human Resources Consultant Resume
  6. Apply for senior human resources consultant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior human resources consultant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior human resources consultant job

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Average senior human resources consultant salary

The average senior human resources consultant salary in the United States is $81,131 per year or $39 per hour. Senior human resources consultant salaries range between $60,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average senior human resources consultant salary
$81,131 Yearly
$39.01 hourly

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How do senior human resources consultants rate their job?

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Senior human resources consultant reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Pros

Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.

Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

As it seeks to solve problems in innovative way

Cons

It needs more patience to apply the true solution and satisfy your client


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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