Our Top Three Human Resources Jobs for the Next Year

In our 2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey, employers told us that human resources departments are committed to hiring new employees. In fact, 66% of those surveyed said they planned to backfill roles eliminated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the pandemic, HR professionals have had to adapt to fast-paced changes and acquire new skills—especially tech skills. Based on our knowledge of the national HR job market, these are the top three positions HR departments will be looking to fill in the coming year:

Payroll Specialist

A Payroll Specialist’s responsibilities encompass a broad range, depending on the organization, but their main goal is to ensure that employees receive their pay correctly. This role handles all aspects of the payment process, from tracking employees’ time through issuing paychecks. This position typically reports to a supervisor or manager within the department.

Job Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related financial field
• Knowledge of payroll industry software tools, whether through college or separate training courses, is essential
• Industry-specific certification demonstrates expertise within the field and a commitment to continuing education

Roles & Responsibilities

• Maintain database of personnel information and accurate payroll records
• Conduct regularly scheduled audits of payroll records to ensure continued accuracy
• Prepare paychecks to ensure that employees are paid on time and in the correct amount
• Cooperate with different departments to increase payroll service performance
• Process data and prepare tax information

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $40,850, 3-10 years: $44,170, 10+ years: $61,818

Benefits Specialist

Benefits Specialists are an integral part of a company's HR department. They typically have an in-depth knowledge of both benefits and the federal and state laws that govern them. They need to know how to sort out issues, like coordinating an employee’s leave in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or changing contributions in a 401(k) account. They’re also the go-to person for both new hires and long-standing employees looking to make the most out of what their employer offers.

Job Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree
• 2-5 years of related experience
• SHRM Certification (recommended)

Roles & Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and administer healthcare plans and wellness programs, from medical and dental benefits to disability and family leave
• Coordinate non-salary employee compensation like retirement plans, pensions, tuition reimbursement, and stock options
• Assist with the administration of all benefits and retirement programs
• Ensure the accuracy of all benefits enrollments
• Assist with the open enrollment process

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $47,216, 3-10 years: $59,602, 10+ years: $82,778

Human Resources Generalist

The role of a Human Resources Generalist is to ensure that a company’s most important asset—its human capital—is being nurtured and supported by fostering a positive work environment through effective employee-employer relations. A Human Resources Generalist analyzes HR data and handles a wide variety of departmental issues, including staffing, employee relations, compensation, training, employment, labor relations, safety, affirmative action and employment equity programs, and personnel research. This role reports directly to the human resources manager.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Most require a bachelor's degree in a related area
• 3-5 years of experience in the field

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage job recruitment, selection, and promotion
• Develop and overseeing employee benefits and wellness programs
• Develop, promote, enforce, and advise on personnel policies
• Promote employee career development and job training
• Serve as a primary contact for work-site injuries or accidents

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $66,353, 3-10 years: $75,758, 10+ years: $92,285

Want additional insights to help you advance your HR career? Download our 2022 Human Resources Career Guide now.

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