How to become a human resources assistant, except payroll and timekeeping

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping do

• Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.
• Gather personnel records from other departments or employees.
• Examine employee files to answer inquiries and provide information for personnel actions.
• Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
• Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
• Prepare and set up for new employee orientations.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is human resources assistant, except payroll and timekeeping a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 1% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $59,050
• California $57,590
• Washington $57,390
• Maryland $56,880
• Alaska $56,510

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.