Post job

Subject matter expert vs human resources analyst

The differences between subject matter experts and human resources analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a subject matter expert and a human resources analyst. Additionally, a subject matter expert has an average salary of $103,749, which is higher than the $69,001 average annual salary of a human resources analyst.

The top three skills for a subject matter expert include SME, project management and DOD. The most important skills for a human resources analyst are HRIS, customer service, and powerpoint.

Subject matter expert vs human resources analyst overview

Subject Matter ExpertHuman Resources Analyst
Yearly salary$103,749$69,001
Hourly rate$49.88$33.17
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs58,23590,211
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a subject matter expert do?

A subject matter expert is someone who has special knowledge and expertise about a specific process or service, providing advice to other team members or directly assisting customers with their inquiries and concerns. Subject matter experts coordinate on planning strategic procedures to improve the work processes and ensure customer satisfaction. They are also active in participating in learning programs and training sessions to share their knowledge and best practices for their specialization. Subject matter experts identify potential business opportunities to generate more revenues for the business and achieve its profitability goals.

What does a human resources analyst do?

A human resources (HR) analyst is an individual who collaborates with a company's HR staff members to identify and assist in solving HR-related issues. HR analysts must provide advice and support to numerous departments in the organization regarding HR policies and best practices. They assist the HR team in the moderation of operating policies, guidelines, and systems to encourage best practices in the company. HR analysts also review data of employees and job candidates while inputting them into the HR database.

Subject matter expert vs human resources analyst salary

Subject matter experts and human resources analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Subject Matter ExpertHuman Resources Analyst
Average salary$103,749$69,001
Salary rangeBetween $73,000 And $146,000Between $49,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyAppleThe Citadel
Best paying industryEnergyFinance

Differences between subject matter expert and human resources analyst education

There are a few differences between a subject matter expert and a human resources analyst in terms of educational background:

Subject Matter ExpertHuman Resources Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Subject matter expert vs human resources analyst demographics

Here are the differences between subject matter experts' and human resources analysts' demographics:

Subject Matter ExpertHuman Resources Analyst
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.8% Female, 36.2%Male, 29.1% Female, 70.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 12.1% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 12.0% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between subject matter expert and human resources analyst duties and responsibilities

Subject matter expert example responsibilities.

  • Prepare custom perl scripts to automate various monitoring functions.
  • Manage PKI SSL web certificates for Linux and Unix servers.
  • Manage the multiple CSS's require by the different organizations.
  • Develop stored procedures and complex packages using PL/SQL, manage DBA activities.
  • Manage the on-the-job training (OJT) of all new personnel on equipment and SIGINT analytical procedures
  • Participate in and hold daily scrum meetings to perform iterative and incremental agile software development framework when managing product development.
  • Show more

Human resources analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage ADP implementation through completion.
  • Lead overall Kronos implementation as in-house lead consultant.
  • Manage annual affirmative action plan including ongoing tracking of EEO information and annual reporting.
  • Manage leave-of-absence program and work with corporate benefits to administer FMLA notifications and assist with disability relate issues.
  • Perform weekly quality audit checks for KRONOS to ensure update records are accurate and correct.
  • Prepare written and electronic reports and presentations in PowerPoint.
  • Show more

Subject matter expert vs human resources analyst skills

Common subject matter expert skills
  • SME, 18%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • DOD, 6%
  • Logistics, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Windows, 4%
Common human resources analyst skills
  • HRIS, 11%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Integrity, 4%
  • Process Improvement, 4%

Browse business and financial jobs