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Human Resources Generalist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Human Resources Generalist I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Human Resources Generalist I in the United States is $58,919 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $69,608
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,052 to $64,514
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,800
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Human Resources Generalist I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Human Resources Generalist I Salaries?

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:

  • Human Resources Generalist I (0-2 years): $58,919
  • Human Resources Generalist II (2-4 years): $73,188
  • Human Resources Generalist III (4-7 years): $89,742
  • Human Resources Generalist IV (7+ years): $108,268
  • Human Resources Supervisor (7+ years): $105,439
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Human Resources Generalist I0-2 years$58,919
Human Resources Generalist II2-4 years$73,188
Human Resources Generalist III4-7 years$89,742
Human Resources Generalist IV7+ years$108,268
Human Resources Supervisor7+ years$105,439
View as Graph

How Do Human Resources Generalist Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $65,235.
  • California: $64,988.
  • Massachusetts: $64,122.

Top Paying Cities for Human Resources Generalist I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $74,315
  • San Francisco: $73,501
  • Oakland: $71,952

What Skills Can Increase a Human Resources Generalist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 5.42% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Employment Law (Mentioned in 3.43% Job Postings): Applying the knowledge of employment law to regulate relationships between employers and employees.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.45% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 5.42%
Employment Law 3.43%
PowerPoint 1.45%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Human Resources Generalist I's salary.

  • Workforce Planning: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Resource Management: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Talent Management: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Workforce Planning $71,292
21%
Resource Management $70,114
19%
Talent Management $67,168
14%
Get Latest Data

Human Resources Generalist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Human Resources Generalist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,956. While startup companies pay approximate $55,798.

Human Resources Generalist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,798
Growth Stage 51~500 $59,013
Established 501~5000 $63,693
Enterprise 5000+ $65,956

Human Resources Generalist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Human Resources Generalist I 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, Human Resources Generalist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Human Resources Generalist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Human Resources Generalist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$88,378$42.050%
Energy & Utilities$70,703$34.020%
Software & Networking$70,703$34.020%
Biotechnology$64,811$31.010%
Financial Services$64,811$31.010%

How Education impacts an Human Resources Generalist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Human Resources Generalist I enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Human Resources Generalist I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $61,645 and $65,322.

Human Resources Generalist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Human Resources Generalist I
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%
View as Graph

Human Resources Generalist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 August 01, 2026
$52,052
Average $58,919/year
$64,514
$4,338
Average $4,910/month
$5,376
$1,001
Average $1,133/week
$1,241
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,514 $5,376 $1,241 $31
Average $58,919 $4,910 $1,133 $28
25th Percentile $52,052 $4,338 $1,001 $25

Human Resources Generalist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Human Resources Generalist I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $73,188 24%
International Human Resources Manager $142,974 143%
Plant Human Resources Manager $111,045 88%
Regional Human Resources Manager $111,045 88%

Most common benefits for Human Resources Generalist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Human Resources Generalist I

Here are companies hiring for Human Resources Generalist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Human Resources Generalist I

1. Where can a Human Resources Generalist I earn the most?

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 $74,315.

2. What is the highest pay for Human Resources Generalist I?

The highest pay for Human Resources Generalist I is $69,608.

3. What is the lowest pay for Human Resources Generalist I?

The lowest pay for Human Resources Generalist I is $45,800.

4. What are the responsibilities of Human Resources Generalist I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Human Resources Generalist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Human Resources Generalist I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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