What does a HR Specialist do?

As an HR Specialist, you will administer the organizations payroll system to include establishing new hire account and deactivate separated accounts. You will provide training for all employees on correct use of the payroll system and work with the vendor on system issues. You will ensure the accurate and timely application of garnishments and deductions and that payroll is processed on time.

An ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a position where payroll was the primarily responsibility and hold a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or related field with a PHR, SPHR or payroll specific certification. You will be an expert in all aspects of payroll from vendor relationship to training on the platform and communicating deadlines to leadership. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining employee confidentiality and expert use of HRIS.

What responsibilities are common for HR Specialist jobs?
  • Responsible for administering payroll system
  • Communicate with managers to resolve issues with payroll
  • Ensure all timecards are approved by the deadline
  • Track reported issues with payroll system and work with vendor to have corrected
  • Reconcile payroll records with approved timecards
  • Process wage garnishment and other deductions
  • Analyze pay scale to ensure compliance with wage and labor laws
  • Train managers and staff on correct use of payroll system
What are the typical qualifications for HR Specialist jobs?
  • PHR, SPHR or payroll specific certification, preferred
  • Master's degree in Human Resource Management or related field, preferred
  • 3+ years of experience as an HR Specialist
  • Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office Applications
  • Superior attention to detail
  • Proven track record of maintaining employee confidentiality
  • Expert with various HRIS applications
  • Experience with payroll systems
  • Able to work under pressure with strict deadlines_
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.8 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.7 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does a HR Specialist make?

Confident
$62,290 /yr
Total Pay
$57,815
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$4,474
 /yr

Additional Pay

$62,290

 / yr
$42K$93K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
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HR Specialist Career Path

Learn how to become a HR Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

HR Specialist
$62,290/yr
Senior HR Specialist
$78,512/yr
HR Specialist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
4%
2 - 4
5%
5 - 7
12%
8+
79%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

HR Specialist Insights

Read what HR Specialist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
OpenReelOpenReel
Onboarding Specialist
Sep 16, 2021

“I love coming to work every day because everyone here is so kind and welcoming and hard working.”

DODDOD
Human Resources Specialist
Dec 1, 2020

“Good foundation to start your career and see if the government or private secor is best for you”

Book4TimeBook4Time
Onboarding Specialist
Nov 11, 2022

“I feel like my work makes an impact and the people are great to work with.”

ADMA BiologicsADMA Biologics
Human Resources Specialist
Apr 27, 2021

“Was able to work with some great people and I learned so much about what NOT to do.”

CNICCNIC
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Sep 12, 2022

“Was promoted throughout my 40 year career based on my experience and was given many opportunities to advance my skills.”

US Forest ServiceUS Forest Service
Human Resource Specialist
Aug 27, 2021

“There are many opportunities to learn and grow making it an ideal place to start a career.”

TeleperformanceTeleperformance
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
May 12, 2022

“I love working at TP because i can see that it offers a good career path and i can learn a lot from TP”

Benchmark Family ServicesBenchmark Family Services
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Dec 11, 2020

“Pay raises are not based on performance but how much your direct supervisor likes you.”

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HR Specialist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a HR Specialist

When working as a HR Specialist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Requests, Sensitive, Filing, Typing, and Reviews.

The most similar professions to HR Specialist are:
  • HR Manager
  • HR Consultant
  • HR Generalist
  • HR Business Partner

The most common qualifications to become a HR Specialist include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

HR Manager
$87,590
No skills overlap
HR Consultant
$96,513
No skills overlap
HR Generalist
$64,861
No skills overlap
HR Business Partner
$103,517
No skills overlap

HR Specialist Jobs