What is the Average HR Assistant Salary?
Want to know the average HR assistant salary? We are here to tell you.
The human resources assistant is an ideal entry-level position for fresh college graduates who want to pursue a career in HR. Companies with established human resources departments hire fresh university graduates as human resources assistants.
As the salary bracket is quite wide, it is somewhat complicated to figure out how much a human resources assistant makes. The wage depends on several factors which we’ll cover in detail below. Let’s unleash this salary myth.
HR Assistant Salary Based on Location
One of the most important variables that impact salary is your location. There is a significant difference in average human resources assistant wage as you move from one state to another in the US. The base income differs a lot from city to city within the same state.
Highest Paying US States
New York is the highest-paid state where the annual salary reaches $57,898. This is in accordance with the cost of living index in New York. New York is more expensive than the US average and this is a reason why human resources assistant pay is the highest there. Here is the list of the states with the highest pay for human resources assistants:
- New York: $57,898
- New Hampshire: $44,466
- Vermont: $56,281
- Wyoming: $46,092
- Massachusetts: $51,855
The difference in the average pay for most employees and human resources assistants isn’t significant.
Lowest Paying US Cities
If you are in one of the following 5 states, your compensation might be lower than the average human resources assistant salary. These states are:
- North Carolina: $40,289
- Missouri: $44,293
- Texas: $47,323
- Illinois: $49,346
- Michigan: $51,845
The cost of living in these states is less than the national average so companies tweaked their pay. North Carolina is the lowest-paid state. This is quite low as compared to the average human resources assistant compensation while the cost of living is lower than the overall average. You must choose your state smartly when hunting for an HR assistant job.
To become an HR assistant, take a look at our HR Generalist certification and enroll yourself in it:
Highest Paying US Cities
The cities with the highest human resources assistant pay are different from the highest-paying states. Most of the cities aren’t even in the relevant states. For example, Sunnyvale is the top-paying city with a maximum base pay of $74,000. Here is the detailed salary data for the top cities:
- Sunnyvale, CA: $72,462
- San Francisco, CA: $65,534
- San Jose, CA: $59,659
- Hayward, CA: $58,530
- Norwalk, CT: $57,272
- Fremont, CA: $56,964
- Jackson, WY: $47,474
- Wasilla, AK: $43,945
HR Assistant Salary Based on Industry
The industry you work in also influences the human resources assistant salaries. Startups and small businesses have a limited number of employees so they don’t require an HR department. They work with entry-level HR assistants who respond to the requests of senior managers.
Large businesses and enterprises in top industries offer the best wages for HR assistants. The manufacturing market, for example, requires a functional human resources department to manage thousands of employee data and records.
So, you must target large businesses with a proper HR department as they’re more likely to offer a decent salary and security because they need your services.
Then there are top-paying industries that should be your top priority employer if you are looking for a human resources assistant job. These industries include:
- Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing: $50,380
- Natural gas distribution: $54,040
- Federal government postal service: $60,720
- Electric power plants: $71,000
- Petroleum and coal manufacturing: $65,370
These are high-paying industries but employment concentration has certain limitations. On the other hand, if you target high-concentration industries such as the management of companies and enterprises, it is easier to get a human resources assistant job. But you’ll have to compromise on salary. Choose your industry and target it from day one so you don’t have to compromise on salary.
Salaries Along the Human Resources Assistant Career Path
A human resources assistant is the first entry point in the human resources career. This shouldn’t be your destination. As you gain experience, you’ll move to higher positions with better pay. Here is what the average pay look like along the HR assistant career path to give you a better idea of what to expect ahead:
Human Resources Assistant: $52,000
The starting salary for a human resources assistant is $43,000 and goes up to $62,000 per year. The initial salary depends on your education, experience, skills, and certification. This is an entry-level position in the human resources career path. You can start your career as an HR assistant with a bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field. Get a certification to increase your chances of getting hired.
Human Resources Generalist: $88,000
The starting salary of an HR generalist is $69,000 while the average salary is $88,000 per year. The HR generalist performs daily HR functions ranging from staffing, employment records management, administrative tasks, training and development, salaries and benefits, company policy enforcement, and others. It requires 3 years of HR experience with a bachelor’s degree.
Human Resources Manager: $104,000
A human resources manager makes $104,000 per year. It is a managerial post that handles the planning and execution of different human resources tasks and projects and manages personnel records. The role requires 5+ years of experience in HR management with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Certifications and analytical skills are essential to be an effective human resources manager.
Human Resources Director: $164,000
Director of human resources is an executive position with an average salary of $164,000 per year that can go as high as $224,000 per year. The position requires 10+ years of HR experience with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Human Resources Vice President: $344,000
The HR vice president is a chief officer position with an average annual salary of $344,000. Being the head of the HR department, the VP is responsible for strategic decisions and developing human resources strategies for the employer. The role requires intensive HR experience of 10-20 years and in-depth knowledge and skills in running and managing an HR department.
Education
Your education is a key variable that determines your salary. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in HR, organizational behavior, business administration, or a relevant field. An associate degree also works but you’ll need relevant experience with it.
Certifications
Skills and certifications have a huge impact on human resources assistant pay. A single certification from a reputable institution can make a lot of difference. If you are a fresh candidate with no HR experience, a certification can turn the tables for you. Here are the top certifications for human resources assistants:
- HR University (HR Generalist Certification): This is one of the best courses to get the ideal skills for the day-to-day tasks of an HR assistant job while having extra knowledge to level up into a generalist or manager position.
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP): It is one of the most reputable certifications that include a 4-hour exam. It doesn’t have any requirements for the certification.
- IPMA-HR Certified Professional: It is an ideal certification for candidates who have an interest in public sector companies. You must complete a course titled Public Sector HR Essentials and then you can sit in the exam. There is no eligibility criterion for the certification making it best for beginners.
- Associate Professional in Human Resources: It is an entry-level certification by HRCI that’s suitable for beginners. There is no eligibility criterion. Anyone can enroll and sit in the 2 hours and 15 minutes exam.
One of these (or any other HR assistant certification) helps a company where you showcase your human resources knowledge and skills. This increases your chance of getting hired and earning more income than others.
Human Resources Assistant is Just the Beginning
A career in HR starts with a human resources assistant and you now know how much does a human resources assistant make? The entry-level human resources assistant compensation is low when you don’t have any experience, but the road ahead is full of amazing opportunities and high salary and benefits packages.
Start hunting for human resources assistant jobs in your preferred location and industry. The world is waiting for an amazing human resources assistant.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers related to the average human resources assistant salary:
What does an HR assistant do?
A human resources assistant is responsible for supporting HR processes by completing recruitment processes, doing reports, maintaining personnel records, and scheduling appointments. Human resources assistants also offer administrative support, help with recruitment and payroll processes, and coordinate training sessions and seminars.
What is the highest-paying job in HR?
The highest-paying job in human resources is the compensation and benefits director position. In addition to talent acquisition manager and human resources consultant, human resources manager is another job title to get the highest pay in the HR department.
Why work as an HR assistant?
Working as a human resources assistant helps you acquire work experience and advance your career in the field. You can build your skills, create a professional network, and contribute to a diverse workplace. After spending some time in a human resources position, there are chances to qualify for higher-level human being roles, including managers or specialists.
How do I excel as an HR assistant?
To excel as a human resources assistant, a candidate must have active listening and strong communication skills. An HR assistant should also have competency in various HR software systems and applications. In most cases, skilled negotiators work well in this position.
How can I become an HR assistant?
To become an HR assistant, get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business administration, look for entry-level positions and start your career, acquire at least three years of work experience, learn relevant technical skills, and consider a professional certificate.
How many years of work experience do you need to become an HR assistant?
To become an HR assistant, you must have experience in recruitment processes, performing background checks, and assisting with interviews. Entry-level roles work great with little to zero work experience, however, candidates must have HR-related work experience. Mid-level positions need up to 5 years of experience, whereas senior roles require more experience.
If you are new to Human Resources and are looking to break into an HR assistant role, we recommend taking our HR Generalist Certification Course, where you will learn how to build your skillset in HR, build your network, craft an excellent HR assistant resume, and create a successful job search strategy.
