Business & Office

How to become an HR Generalist

From HR coordinator: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$58k–$80k

Starting from

HR coordinator

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from HR coordinator and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–2 years

   Start as an HR coordinator or assistant

   Onboarding, records and scheduling. It is the standard first rung.

   Course that covers thisThe Essentials of Human Resource ManagementUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Learn employment law basics

   FLSA, FMLA, ADA and your state's rules. This is where the real risk sits.

3. 3

   1–2 years

   Handle employee relations

   Investigations and difficult conversations. The part of the job that is actually hard.

4. 4

   Certify

   SHRM-CP or PHR. Commonly listed and often reimbursed by employers.

   ◆ SHRM-CP or PHR

5. ✓

   Destination

   HR Generalist

   Browse jobs now →

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