Human Resources Administrative Assistant: Duties & Salary

<h2 id="section---CareerInformationAtAGlance">Career Information At a Glance</h2> <p>Human resources administrative assistants are responsible for supporting human resources managers or directors. Typical office duties include collecting and organizing employee data, preparing reports, and providing clerical assistance. Check out the table below for quick info on the requirements and responsibilities of this career. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Associate's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Educational Field of Study</b> </td><td> Human resources or business administration</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Entry level office skills, data entry, written and verbal communications, basic computer software knowledge</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> -3% growth (<i>human resource assistants, except payroll and timekeeping</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $43,250 (<i>human resource assistants, except payroll and timekeeping</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoHumanResourcesAdministrativeAssistantsDo">What Do Human Resources Administrative Assistants Do?</h3> <p>Human resources administrative assistants primarily manage employee records and perform basic office management tasks. They typically report directly to HR managers or HR directors and can be actively involved in the recruiting, hiring, training, and onboarding of new employees. Human resources administrative assistants rely heavily on the use of telephones, computers, and other standard office equipment to perform their daily tasks. They are required to file and maintain paper or electronic records, which may involve updating spreadsheets. They may also coordinate and explain employee benefits. Assistants may arrange and attend meetings, contribute to HR solutions, and help plan programs. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheEducationRequirements">What Are The Education Requirements?</h3> <p>Generally, human resources administrative assistants need an associate's degree in human resources, business administration, or a similar area of study to perform the necessary job functions. College-level courses in spreadsheet and word processing software are important. With a bachelor's degree, assistants can advance to the career of human resources specialist. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheSkillRequirements">What Are The Skill Requirements?</h3> <p>Human resources administrative assistants need to possess strong data entry and communication skills, as well as basic knowledge of computer systems and office technology such as fax machines and copy machines. HR assistants must be precise with strong attention to detail since they deal with critical employee records. Communication abilities are vital to professionals in this field. On-the-job training is typically provided and the pursuit of additional education and employee development opportunities is essential for those looking to advance. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIEarn">How Much Can I Earn?</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) outlines the median salary for human resources administrative assistants (excluding payroll and timekeeping) to be $43,250 per year as of May 2020. Human resources assistants generally work full time across different industries (human resources professionals are needed in many sectors). This career is considered an entry-level position in the field and an opportunity to gain experience for more advanced roles. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheExpectedGrowthRate">What Is The Expected Growth Rate?</h3> <p>The BLS projects the role of human resources administrative assistant will decline by 3% between 2020-2030. Growth in overall employment for information clerks is expected to be limited as organizations opt to consolidate administrative functions and streamline processes. Online options for benefits and employment and online systems that maintain files likely factor into the slight decline for human resources assistants. Previous experience and a relevant degree may augment prospects for these professionals.</p>