As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a HR Generalist II in the United States is $73,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a HR Generalist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A HR Generalist II'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 II'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 | $58,919 |
| HR Generalist II | 2-4 years | $73,188 |
| HR Generalist III | 4-7 years | $89,742 |
| HR Generalist - Project Lead | 7+ years | $108,268 |
| HR Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,439 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.97% |
| Employment Law | 3.07% |
| Administrative Support | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$78,324 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$77,592 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$76,860 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$76,860 |
5%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$76,860 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$76,128 |
4%
|
HR Generalist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,943. While startup companies pay approximate $69,322.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,322 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,316 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,131 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,943 |
For HR Generalist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, HR Generalist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HR Generalist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $91,500 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,180 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $84,180 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $84,180 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,520 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HR Generalist IIs 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 II with a Associate's Degree is between $73,831 and $77,988).
HR Generalist II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 10.5% |
| Associates | 7.6% |
| Bachelors | 55.4% |
| Masters | 25.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a HR Generalist II'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a HR Generalist II, 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 III | $89,800 | 23% |
| Global HR Manager | $143,000 | 95% |
| Facility Human Resources Manager | $111,100 | 52% |
| Manager of Regional Human Resources | $111,100 | 52% |
Salaries for a HR Generalist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,538 in 2023 to around $66,362 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of HR Generalist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,538 |
| 2024 | $66,625 |
| 2025 | $66,362 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for HR Generalist II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
The estimated total pay for an HR Generalist III ranges from $70,500 to $86,000 per year, with a mid-salary of $77,800. These figures reflect the salary range based on current data for this position, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in the role.
The role of an HR Generalist can be stressful due to the diverse responsibilities, including employee relations, recruitment, and compliance. However, the salary range for this position, with a minimum of $70,500, a mid-level of $77,800, and a maximum of $86,000, reflects the importance and demand for skilled professionals in this field.
An HR Generalist certificate can be worth it, especially considering the salary range for this role. With a minimum salary of $70,500, a mid-range of $77,800, and a maximum of $86,000, the investment in certification may lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings. It enhances your skills and marketability in a competitive field.
The lowest HR position typically includes roles like HR Intern, HR Assistant, and HR Coordinator. Salaries for these entry-level positions generally range from $70,500 to $86,000, with a midpoint around $77,800. These roles provide foundational experience in human resources and can lead to more advanced opportunities.
Another name for an HR Generalist is an HR Specialist or HR Officer. These professionals typically handle a variety of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. In terms of salary, HR Generalists can expect to earn between $70,500 and $86,000, with a median salary of around $77,800.
The HR Generalist II is responsible for ensuring timely entry of various Workday processes while adhering to compliance with University, System, State, and Federal requirements. This role involves processing personnel actions in Workday and providing status updates to departments. The salary for this position ranges from $70,500 to $86,000, with a midpoint of $77,800.
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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