As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate HR Generalist in the United States is $73,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Intermediate HR Generalist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 | $58,918 |
| Intermediate HR Generalist | 2-4 years | $73,191 |
| HR Generalist III | 4-7 years | $89,748 |
| HR Generalist - Project Lead | 7+ years | $108,259 |
| HR Supervisor | 7+ years | $105,448 |
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 Intermediate HR Generalists. 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
|
$78,338 |
7%
|
|
Team Management
|
$77,606 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$76,874 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$76,874 |
5%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$76,874 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$76,142 |
4%
|
Intermediate HR Generalist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,819. While startup companies pay approximate $69,210.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,210 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,197 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,006 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,819 |
For Intermediate HR Generalist 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, Intermediate HR Generalist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Intermediate HR Generalist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $91,516 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,195 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $84,195 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $84,195 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,534 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate HR Generalist with a Associate's Degree is between $73,821 and $77,983).
Intermediate HR Generalist 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 an Intermediate 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 September 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 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 an Intermediate HR Generalist 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 Intermediate HR Generalist 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 Intermediate HR Generalist roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Organizations are increasingly valuing human resources for its strategic role in recruiting, developing, and rewarding talent. This recognition is reflected in the salary data for Intermediate HR Generalists, with a minimum salary of $70,433, a mid-range salary of $77,733, and a maximum salary of $85,983, highlighting the importance and demand for skilled HR professionals.
As of now, the salary for an Intermediate HR Generalist in the United States ranges from $70,433 to $85,983 annually, with a median salary of $77,733. This translates to approximately $33.83 to $41.29 per hour, or about $1,354 to $1,654 per week.
The highest salary for an Intermediate HR Generalist is $85,983. The top 10% of employees in this role can earn significantly more, reflecting the demand and expertise required in the field.
The salary data indicates that an Intermediate HR Generalist earns between $70,433 and $85,983, with a mid-salary of $77,733. In comparison, HR specialists typically earn less, making the HR Generalist the higher-paid role.
The highest-paying HR position is typically the VP of Human Resources, with salaries ranging from USD 271,000 to USD 455,000 and an average of USD 347,500. In comparison, an Intermediate HR Generalist earns between USD 70,433 and USD 85,983, with a mid-salary of USD 77,733, highlighting the significant pay gap within HR roles.
The highest salary for an Intermediate HR Generalist is $85,983. The salary range for this position typically falls between $70,433 and $85,983, with a mid-point salary of $77,733. This reflects the competitive compensation for HR professionals in this role.
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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