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Career Overview

Organizations are only as strong as the people who power them. Behind every productive team and engaged workforce is a human resources (HR) professional who ensures that things run smoothly. In many cases, this great responsibility is expertly handled by an HR generalist.  

HR generalists are versatile professionals who manage a wide range of HR functions, from recruitment and onboarding to compliance and performance management. For organizations that rely on their workforce鈥檚 effectiveness, HR generalists are the strategic partners they can count on to help align employee needs with business goals.  

Whether you鈥檙e starting your career in human resources or looking to grow into a broader HR role, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a human resources generalist. Learn more about their responsibilities, qualifications, salary expectations and how to take the next step with the right degree.   

What Is an HR Generalist?

An HR generalist is a well-rounded professional responsible for managing a wide range of human resources functions. Unlike HR specialists who focus on one area, HR generalists are knowledgeable in all aspects of human resource management, from recruitment to compliance. 

As strategic partners within the organization, HR generalists help create a productive workplace by aligning employee needs with business goals, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring compliance with labor laws and HR policies. 

The HR generalist is a cornerstone of any human resources department, supporting both the workforce and leadership in building a strong organizational culture. These professionals are needed in virtually every industry, including:

• Healthcare 
• Education 
• Manufacturing 
• Government 
• Technology 
• Nonprofits 

What Does an HR Generalist Do?

Organizations are dynamic by nature. They鈥檙e constantly evolving, growing and adapting to new challenges. Within this ever-changing environment, HR generalists play a vital role. They embody that same versatility, balancing administrative duties with strategic thinking to support the business and its people. Some of the most important responsibilities you鈥檒l find in a typical HR generalist job description include:

• Recruitment and onboarding (talent acquisition support) 
  • HR generalists assist in posting job openings, screening applicants, conducting initial interviews and coordinating the onboarding process. They ensure a smooth start for new hires by managing paperwork, orientation and integration into the company culture. 
• Employee relations 
  • They act as a liaison between employees and management, addressing workplace concerns, mediating conflicts and promoting employee engagement. Communication skills, empathy and professionalism are crucial in this area. 
• Benefits and compensation administration 
  • From health insurance enrollment to payroll questions, HR generalists often administer employee benefits and ensure compensation practices comply with company policy and legal standards. 
• HR policy and compliance 
  • Generalists play a key role in developing and enforcing HR policies that align with labor laws and industry regulations. They ensure that the organization is always in compliance with applicable employment standards. 
• Performance management 
  • They help facilitate employee evaluations, set performance benchmarks and assist managers with improvement plans or disciplinary actions. Their involvement supports the professional growth of employees. 
• Training and development 
  • HR generalists may coordinate training sessions, maintain records of employee certifications and evaluate development programs that promote upskilling and career advancement. 
• Offboarding 
  • When an employee leaves the organization, HR generalists manage the exit process, conduct exit interviews and ensure the return of company property and proper documentation. 
• Tools and software 
  • Many HR generalists rely on software tools like Workday, BambooHR, ADP or other HR information systems (HRIS) to streamline operations. Familiarity with these systems is often expected for modern HR professionals. 

HR Generalist Qualifications and Skills

Succeeding as an HR generalist requires a mix of soft and hard skills. The job demands strong interpersonal abilities, attention to detail and comfort with legal and technological tools. It鈥檚 also important to note that many HR generalists also pursue HR certifications, such as SHRM-CP, PHR or HRCI credentials, to boost credibility and career opportunities.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional communication: Writing policies, responding to employee questions and advising leadership. 
• Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding and addressing employee concerns with care. 
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution: Navigating interpersonal issues with diplomacy. 
• Strong interpersonal skills: Building relationships across departments. 
• Confidentiality and ethics: Handling sensitive information discreetly. 
• Adaptability and flexibility: Working across multiple HR areas simultaneously. 
• Organizational and time management: Prioritizing a wide variety of tasks efficiently. 

Hard Skills

• Knowledge of employment law: Understanding legal requirements and workplace standards. 
• HRIS proficiency: Using platforms like Workday or BambooHR for employee data management. 
• Data analysis: Interpreting HR data to support decision-making. 
• Microsoft Office Suite: Especially Excel for reporting and tracking. 
• Recruitment software/applicant tracking systems (ATS): Tools like iCIMS or Greenhouse to manage hiring pipelines.

Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for HR specialists, closely related to HR generalists, is $72,910.*

Employment of HR specialists is projected to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, faster than average.*

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median annual wage for HR specialists, a field closely related to HR generalists, was $72,910 as of 2024.* The top 10% of these professionals earned more than $126,540.* 

Factors That Influence Salary

• Location: Salaries tend to be higher in major cities or areas with a high cost of living. 
• Industry: HR professionals in tech, finance and professional services often earn more than those in education or nonprofit sectors. 
• Education: Advanced degrees such as an MBA or MSOL can lead to higher-paying roles. 
• Certifications: Industry-recognized certifications may increase your earning potential and eligibility for promotions. 

Job Growth Outlook

Employment of HR specialists is projected to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.* Demand is expected to remain steady as companies continue to emphasize the importance of human capital.

Career Advancement Opportunities

With remote and hybrid work on the rise, many HR generalist jobs now offer flexible work arrangements, adding to the role’s overall appeal. Many HR generalists use the role as a springboard into more senior HR positions, such as:

• HR manager 
• HR business partner 
• Director of human resources

* 

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