As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Generalist I in the United States is $58,930 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a HR Generalist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A HR Generalist I'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 a HR Generalist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist I | 0-2 years | $58,922 |
| HR Generalist II | 2-4 years | $73,181 |
| HR Generalist III | 4-7 years | $89,726 |
| HR Generalist - Project Lead | 7+ years | $108,295 |
| HR Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,414 |
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 HR Generalist Is. 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
|
$71,305 |
21%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$70,127 |
19%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$67,180 |
14%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$67,180 |
14%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$66,002 |
12%
|
|
Labor Relations
|
$66,002 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR Generalist Is 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 a HR Generalist I with a Associate's Degree is between $60,274 and $64,075).
HR Generalist I 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 a HR Generalist I'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a HR Generalist I, 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 | 143% |
| Facility Human Resources Manager | $111,100 | 89% |
| Manager of Regional Human Resources | $111,100 | 89% |
Salaries for a HR Generalist I 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 HR Generalist I 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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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for HR Generalist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current HR Generalist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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HR can offer competitive salaries, especially in leadership roles. For HR Generalists, the salary ranges from a minimum of $58,600 to a mid-level of $65,060, with a maximum of $72,080. While entry-level positions may not be as high-paying, experienced professionals can earn significantly more, particularly in managerial roles.
To calculate your hourly wage as an HR Generalist, first determine the total hours worked annually by multiplying 40 hours per week by 52 weeks, which equals 2,080 hours. Then, divide your annual salary by this number. For example, with a salary of $65,060 (midpoint), your hourly rate would be $65,060 / 2,080 = $31.25.
The role of an HR Generalist can indeed be stressful due to the constant pressure and demands of managing employee relations and compliance. This stress can lead to physical and mental health issues, including high blood pressure and anxiety. However, with a salary range of $58,600 to $72,080, the compensation reflects the importance and challenges of the role.
The salary for an HR Generalist in the USA ranges from $58,600 to $72,080, with a mid-salary of $65,060. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear picture of compensation in the field of Human Resources.
As of January 17, 2025, the salary for an HR Generalist in the United States ranges from $58,600 to $72,080 annually, with a median salary of $65,060. This translates to approximately $28.13 to $34.65 per hour, or $1,128 to $1,385 per week, and $4,866 to $5,983 per month.
An HR Generalist earning $100 an hour would have an annual salary of approximately $208,000. This exceeds the typical salary range for this role, which has a minimum of $58,600, a mid-range of $65,060, and a maximum of $72,080. The average salary for an HR Generalist is around $60,587, significantly lower than the $208,000 figure.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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