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HR assistant average salary

Data from Glassdoor indicate a US average human resources assistant, or HR assistant, salary of $31,840. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average HR assistant salary is $38,040. The combined average is $34,940. Ninety percent of HR Assistants are paid up to $55,160, while the lowest salary is $25,500. Payscale.com reports the average hourly salaries of the position. Ninety percent earn a maximum salary of $20 per hour. The lowest paid ten percent doesn’t receive more than $12 per hour.

How much does a human resource assistant make?How much does a human resource assistant make?

Career Outlook

The salary of HR Assistants doesn’t show significant development over the years as few remain in this position throughout their career. According to Payscale.com, entry-level HR Assistants earn around $33,000 while in their mid-career they see a rise by only $3,000 on average. Ten to more than 20 years of experience translate in an average salary of $40,000.

HR assistants typically report to the HR manager or HR director. They can be promoted to HR generalist or HR coordinator. Sometimes, they will advance to the position of an HR specialist or HR administrator.

Top Paying US cities

  • San Francisco: $42,941
  • Washington: $41,604
  • Boston: $41,321
  • New York: $39,602
  • Dallas: $38,274

Top Paying Industries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the five top paying industries for the HR assistant position are the following:

Industry Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage
Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) $20.97 $43,620
Management of Companies and Enterprises $18.81 $39,130
Employment Services $17.30 $35,990
Department Stores $14.67 $30,510
Local Government (OES Designation) $20.08 $41,770

Job Description & Interview Questions

HR assistants support the HR executives and often the entire HR department. The HR assistant job description includes HR assistant responsibilities, such as assisting payroll, maintaining employee records and helping implement HR programs. Finding the right HR assistant interview questions is an important step in understanding how to hire an HR assistant.

Skills & Qualifications

Key HR assistant skills involve knowledge of payroll and benefit administration processes as well as employee relations. Knowledge of ADP payroll systems or other HR information systems is a good asset. HR assistant qualifications usually refer to at least an associate’s degree in a relative discipline. Since it’s an entry level position, HR assistant duties can be fulfilled by individuals without much experience.

Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees 

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