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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.

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The route

  1. 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. Learn employment law basics

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

  3. Handle employee relations

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

  4. Certify

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

    SHRM-CP or PHR

  5. Destination

    HR Generalist

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