HR Generalist vs. HR Specialist

Human resource (HR) professionals manage all employee-related issues for an organization. Job duties can range from recruiting and hiring employees to training, development, compensation, and benefits. An HR career offers a high degree of variety, as most private businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies require human resource professionals.

While job details vary by industry, most human resources jobs fall into either the HR Specialist or HR Generalist categories. The following looks at the similarities and differences between an HR generalist vs. HR specialist.

What Does an HR Generalist Do?

An HR generalist brings broad knowledge of human resources and can assist both employees and managers with most HR-related matters. While they may have deeper experience in certain areas, their main strength is being able to support many aspects of the HR function. In smaller companies, one HR generalist might manage all human resource tasks for the entire organization.

• Hiring – Handles job postings, reviews applications, coordinates interviews, and manages all paperwork required to bring new employees on board.
• Onboarding – Guides new hires through the orientation process, ensures all forms are completed, and sets up access to payroll and internal systems.
• Training – Organizes training sessions for new employees and helps current staff grow their skills through ongoing development programs.
• Workplace Policies and Safety – Communicates company policies such as dress codes and behavior expectations, while also ensuring employees follow safety protocols, including the use of required gear in specific work areas.
• Benefits – Assists employees with enrolling in healthcare plans, paid time off, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s, and answers questions about available benefits.
• Payroll – Makes sure employees are paid accurately and on time, and solves any problems related to pay, taxes, or deductions.
• Evaluations – Keeps records of employee performance reviews, tracks progress, and helps managers stay on schedule with evaluation timelines.

What Does an HR Specialist Do?

HR Specialists focus their workday on one area of human resources rather than managing various human resource tasks. Their skills are highly valued because of their expertise in complex areas of human resources.

• Risk management – Analyzing risks to organizations in areas such as employee safety and making policy recommendations to lower risk.
• Information systems – Overseeing technology used in HR departments, like payroll software systems and digital records.
• Benefits – Designing and implementing benefits packages that include healthcare, vision, and dental. Also, overseeing the implementation of 401(k) and other benefit plans.
• Payroll – Focusing on oversight of software systems involving employee payroll and company budgeting and expenses.
• Recruiting and retention – Working with department managers to fill job openings with employees who match the needs of the organization, as well as programs aimed at retaining employees.
• Training and development -Creating and managing training programs for new and current employees and programs designed to further develop the skills of employees.

HR Generalist vs. HR Specialist: Choosing the Right Path

Choosing between a career as an HR generalist or an HR specialist often depends on your interests and career goals. Do you prefer to manage many different areas of human resources or focus deeply on one? Many professionals start out as HR generalists to gain broad experience, then specialize later as they discover which parts of the job they enjoy most.

In fact, it’s common to shift paths. According to Indeed, “if you’re unsure which human resources career path is right for you, you can take steps toward either path or change your mind based on your preferences.” Starting as a generalist gives you the flexibility to explore your options and move into a more focused role when you’re ready.

HR Generalist – Often referred to as a “jack of all trades,” HR generalists handle a wide variety of responsibilities, such as hiring, training, onboarding, benefits, payroll, and compliance. They support both employees and managers and help keep operations running smoothly across all HR functions.

HR Specialist – Specialists focus on one area of HR, such as recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, or learning and development. These roles are often more strategic and may involve implementing programs that boost performance, efficiency, or employee satisfaction.

People who choose to become HR specialists often enjoy working on targeted solutions that support business goals, whether that means attracting top talent, building strong teams, or improving HR technology systems.

Salary Outlook

HR generalists and specialists both earn strong, competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for human resources specialists was $67,650 in 2023. While the BLS groups generalists under this broader category, their salaries tend to align closely with specialists. Factors like experience, location, and industry can influence earning potential in both roles. 

Employment for human resources specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by organizations’ ongoing need to recruit, screen, and manage employees effectively. Factors such as experience, location, and industry can influence salary and job opportunities in both roles.​

Studying for a Human Resources Career at Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers online degree programs that allow professionals to earn a degree with the flexibility to maintain personal and professional obligations. TUW designs these programs for working adults and non-traditional students, including ex-military servicemembers.

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration offers a concentration in Human Resources that prepares graduates with the skills to pursue HR Generalist or HR Specialist positions and build their expertise in HR-related management, planning, and legal issues. Courses in the concentration include:

• Training and Development Management
• Employee Performance and Appraisal Management
• Workforce Planning and Employment
• Legal Environment of Human Resource Management

The TUW online Master of Science in Human Resource Management is designed for working HR professionals. The program builds advanced skills based on existing HR knowledge and experience. Courses in the program include:

• Ethics for HR Professionals
• Developing a Competency Culture
• Facilitating Organizational Change
• Performance Assessment
• Human Resources Management and Law

In both programs, TUW faculty focus on providing students with knowledge and skills they can apply immediately to real-world challenges. Both degrees prepare graduates for success as an HR Generalist or an HR Specialist.