HR Generalist vs. HR Specialist

Attribute	HR Generalist	HR Specialist
Job Scope	Handles a wide range of HR tasks	Focuses on a specific area of HR
Skills	General HR knowledge	Specialized HR expertise
Responsibilities	Recruitment, training, employee relations, etc.	Compensation, benefits, employee relations, etc.
Training	General HR training	Specialized HR training
Salary	Varies based on experience and location	Higher average salary due to specialization

Job Description

HR Generalists are responsible for a wide range of HR functions within an organization. They handle tasks such as recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance. They are often the first point of contact for employees regarding HR-related issues. On the other hand, HR Specialists focus on a specific area of HR, such as recruitment, compensation and benefits, training and development, or employee relations. They have in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized area.

Skills and Qualifications

HR Generalists need to have a broad understanding of all areas of HR in order to effectively handle a variety of tasks. They should have strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They also need to be detail-oriented and have the ability to multitask. HR Specialists, on the other hand, need to have specialized knowledge and skills in their specific area of expertise. For example, a recruitment specialist should have experience with sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and negotiating job offers.

Training and Education

HR Generalists typically have a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Some may also have certifications such as SHRM-CP or PHR. HR Specialists often have a more specialized education or training in their specific area of expertise. For example, a compensation and benefits specialist may have a certification such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).

Career Path

HR Generalists have a broader career path within the field of HR. They can move into more senior HR roles such as HR Manager or HR Director. They may also choose to specialize in a specific area of HR and become an HR Specialist. HR Specialists, on the other hand, have a more focused career path. They can become experts in their specialized area and may eventually move into leadership roles within that specific area, such as Compensation and Benefits Manager or Training and Development Director.

Salary and Job Outlook

HR Generalists and HR Specialists can both have competitive salaries, depending on their level of experience and expertise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for human resources specialists was $63,490 in May 2020. The job outlook for both HR Generalists and HR Specialists is positive, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of employment laws and regulations, as well as the need for organizations to attract and retain top talent.