As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry HR Generalist in the United States is $59,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Entry HR Generalist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry HR Generalist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry HR Generalist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry HR Generalist | 0-2 years | $58,920 |
| HR Generalist II | 2-4 years | $73,186 |
| HR Generalist III | 4-7 years | $89,737 |
| HR Generalist - Project Lead | 7+ years | $108,277 |
| HR Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,431 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry HR Generalists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.42% |
| Employment Law | 3.43% |
| PowerPoint | 1.45% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Workforce Planning
|
$71,390 |
21%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$70,210 |
19%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$67,260 |
14%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$67,260 |
14%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$66,080 |
12%
|
|
Labor Relations
|
$66,080 |
12%
|
Entry HR Generalist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,991. While startup companies pay approximate $55,809.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $55,809 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $59,026 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $63,727 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,991 |
For Entry HR Generalist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Entry HR Generalist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry HR Generalist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,500 | $43.0 | 50% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,800 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $70,800 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $64,900 | $31.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $64,900 | $31.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry HR Generalists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry HR Generalist with a Associate's Degree is between $60,322 and $64,106).
Entry HR Generalist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 11.1% |
| Associates | 7.9% |
| Bachelors | 57.7% |
| Masters | 22.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Entry HR Generalist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry HR Generalist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist II | $73,200 | 24% |
| Global HR Manager | $143,000 | 142% |
| Facility Human Resources Manager | $111,100 | 88% |
| Manager of Regional Human Resources | $111,100 | 88% |
Salaries for an Entry HR Generalist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,845 in 2023 to around $56,847 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry HR Generalist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,845 |
| 2024 | $57,041 |
| 2025 | $56,847 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry HR Generalist roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
As of January 17, 2025, the salary for an Entry HR Generalist in the United States ranges from $58,600 to $72,100 annually, with a median salary of $65,100. This translates to approximately $28.13 to $34.65 per hour, or $1,128 to $1,387 per week, and $4,866 to $5,999 per month.
The starting salary for an Entry HR Generalist in the US ranges from $58,600 to $72,100 per year, with a mid-salary of $65,100. This reflects the typical compensation for entry-level positions in the HR field.
The lowest salary for an Entry HR Generalist is $58,600. The salary range typically spans from $58,600 to $72,100, with a midpoint of $65,100. This reflects the current market for HR professionals, indicating a competitive landscape for entry-level positions in the field.
The lowest HR position is typically the Entry HR Generalist. Salaries for this role range from $58,600 to $72,100, with a midpoint of $65,100. Other entry-level titles include HR Intern, HR Assistant, and HR Coordinator, which also offer competitive salaries within this range.
While it's challenging to reach a six-figure salary as an Entry HR Generalist, the salary range typically falls between $58,600 and $72,100. With experience and advancement into higher-level HR roles, it's possible to achieve a six-figure income in the HR field over time.
The role of an HR Generalist can be stressful due to the diverse responsibilities, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. However, the salary range for this position, with a minimum of $58,600, a mid-point of $65,100, and a maximum of $72,100, reflects the value placed on these skills and the potential for career growth in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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