As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Generalist I in the United States is $58,922 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Human Resources Generalist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Generalist I | 0-2 years | $58,922 |
| Human Resources Generalist II | 2-4 years | $73,181 |
| Human Resources Generalist III | 4-7 years | $89,726 |
| Human Resources Generalist IV | 7+ years | $108,295 |
| Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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
|
$71,296 |
21%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$70,117 |
19%
|
|
Talent Management
|
$67,171 |
14%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$67,171 |
14%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$65,993 |
12%
|
|
Labor Relations
|
$65,993 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources 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 Human Resources Generalist I with a Associate's Degree is between $60,569 and $64,386).
Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Generalist II | $73,181 | 24% |
| International Human Resources Manager | $142,965 | 143% |
| Plant Human Resources Manager | $111,047 | 88% |
| Regional Human Resources Manager | $111,047 | 88% |
Salaries for a Human Resources 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 Human Resources 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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A Human Resources Generalist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Human Resources Generalist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Human Resources Generalist I is $74,318.
The highest pay for Human Resources Generalist I is $69,609.
The lowest pay for Human Resources Generalist I is $45,803.
Serves as administrator for several critical human resources functions and workforce management, including recruiting, employee/labor relations, health and safety, compensation, benefits, training, diversity, employee engagement, leave and attendance tracking, payroll, and employee records. Facilitates and communicates organizational policies and programs and ensures labor law and regulatory compliance. Provides internal support and partnership to business lines to deliver required human resources. May evaluate, select, and oversee vendors that provide supplemental HR processes and services. Coordinates with HR support staff to process and maintain employment, attendance, and other records. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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