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

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Denise Barton
introduction image

A senior human resources generalist is an experienced HR professional responsible for managing and overseeing various HR functions within an organization. They handle employee relations ,training and development, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. They work closely with management to develop HR policies and strategies that align with the organization's goals. They also provide guidance and support to other HR staff and serve as a point of contact for employees on HR-related issues.

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

Denise BartonDenise Barton LinkedIn profile

Senior Professor of Human Resources, Wake Technical Community College

I would advise graduates beginning their careers to earn a human resources certification from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Both organizations are internationally recognized for high-quality HR knowledge-based exams.
ScoreSenior Human Resources GeneralistUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $72,512

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 76.53%

male 23.47%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a senior human resources generalist?

Pros

  • Opportunity to lead and manage a team

  • Ability to make a significant impact on the company and its employees

  • Variety of responsibilities and tasks

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Opportunity for professional development and growth

Cons

  • Significant responsibility and pressure to perform

  • High-stress environment with tight deadlines

  • Dealing with difficult employee situations, including terminations

  • Potential for conflicts with management or employees

  • Long hours, including evenings and weekends

Senior human resources generalist career paths

Key steps to become a senior human resources generalist

  1. Explore senior human resources generalist education requirements

    Most common senior human resources generalist degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.2 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    7.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior human resources generalist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HRIS8.37%
    Payroll5.88%
    Employee Engagement5.69%
    SR4.75%
    Customer Service4.73%
  3. Research senior human resources generalist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage hourly and management recruiting activity to meet establish AAP goals.
    • Manage AAP plan development, modification, implementation, and reporting requirements.
    • Partner with Sr. Management and line managers to develop organizational strategies and achieve overall organizational objectives.
    • Administer and negotiate benefits package, perform internal audits, manage disability and FMLA and perform in-house training.
  4. Get senior human resources generalist experience

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

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior human resources generalist 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 generalist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior human resources generalist resume templates

    Build a professional senior human resources generalist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior human resources generalist resume.
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    Senior Human Resources Generalist Resume
  6. Apply for senior human resources generalist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior human resources generalist 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 generalist job

Zippi

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Average senior human resources generalist salary

The average senior human resources generalist salary in the United States is $72,512 per year or $35 per hour. Senior human resources generalist salaries range between $54,000 and $96,000 per year.

Average senior human resources generalist salary
$72,512 Yearly
$34.86 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do senior human resources generalists rate their job?

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Senior human resources generalist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.

Pros

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


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.


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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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