Resources/Job description templates/HR generalist
HR Generalist Job Description Template (Free, 2027)
A free HR generalist job description template covering employee relations, leave, onboarding, payroll support and compliance, with a pay range from government data. Copy, download as Word or print.
- $75,940median pay
- 6sections
- Freedownload
Free template
- Copy it, download it as a Word file or print it
- Pay range from government data
- Written by recruiters
Quick answer: An HR generalist job description should list the HR areas the person will own, such as employee relations, leave, onboarding, payroll support and compliance, how many employees and locations they will support, and the pay range. Generalists in small companies often do everything, so be honest about scope.
Use this for an HR generalist or senior HR generalist hire. Delete the duties you do not need and add the systems you use.
HR generalist job description
About the role
[Company] is hiring an HR generalist to support [number] employees across [locations or states]. You will be the go to person for employee questions and handle day to day HR from hiring through exit.
Location: [on site, hybrid or remote]. Reports to: [HR manager or title].
What you will do
- Answer employee and manager questions on policies, pay, benefits and leave
- Run onboarding and offboarding, including Form I9 and new hire paperwork
- Manage leaves of absence such as FMLA and state leave programs
- Support payroll and benefits administration and fix issues quickly
- Handle employee relations concerns and help with investigations
- Keep HR records and the HRIS accurate
- Help keep policies and the employee handbook current with federal and state law
- [Optional] Support recruiting by posting jobs and scheduling interviews
What you bring
- [2 to 4] years of HR experience in a generalist or coordinator role
- Working knowledge of US employment law, including FMLA, FLSA and anti discrimination rules
- Experience with an HRIS such as [system]
- Calm judgment and discretion with confidential information
- Clear writing and a helpful, steady manner with employees
Nice to have
- HR certification
- Multi state experience
- Experience in [industry]
Pay and benefits
Pay range: [$ to $] per year. [Benefits.]
How to apply
Apply at [link]. Tell us briefly about an employee issue you resolved and what you learned.
Free from Work Insiders. Edit it to fit your team.
What should you pay an HR generalist?
The median annual wage for human resources specialists, the group that includes HR generalists, was $75,940 in May 2025, with the lowest 10 percent under $47,180 and the highest 10 percent over $128,720, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many states and cities now require a pay range in the job ad, so put one in.
What does an HR generalist do?
An HR generalist covers the whole employee lifecycle rather than one specialty. In a small company that can mean hiring, onboarding, leave, benefits, payroll questions, employee relations and compliance in the same week. In a larger company, generalists often support a set of departments as their first point of contact for HR.
HR generalist vs HR manager: which do you need?
| HR generalist | HR manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Day to day HR work | HR strategy and leading HR staff |
| Decision rights | Applies policy | Sets policy |
| Typical experience | 2 to 4 years | 5 or more years |
| Median pay, May 2025 | $75,940 (HR specialists) | $149,280 |
Frequently asked questions
What are the main duties of an HR generalist?
Answering employee questions, onboarding and offboarding, managing leave, supporting payroll and benefits, handling employee relations and keeping HR records and policies compliant.
How much should I pay an HR generalist?
BLS counts HR generalists as human resources specialists, with a median of $75,940 in May 2025. See HR generalist salary for the full range.
What qualifications does an HR generalist need?
Usually two to four years of HR experience, knowledge of US employment law and an HRIS. A bachelor's degree is typical and certification helps.
Is an HR generalist the same as an HR business partner?
Not quite. A business partner usually works with leadership on people strategy for a business unit, while a generalist handles more of the day to day HR work.
Sources
Written by recruiters at Work Insiders. Updated November 4, 2026. How we make money.