Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping earn a median of $50,610 per year ($24.33/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 6.2% through 2035, with about 7,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 43-4161
- Office and Administrative Support
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping in four numbers
- Median pay
- $50,610a year, or $24.33/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $37KTop 10% $68K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -6.2%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−6.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −6.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 7,90096,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202596.5K
- Projected 203590.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 96.5K Projected 2035 90.5K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school21.1%
- Certificate5.7%
- Some college11.2%
- Associate's27.4%
- Bachelor's33.8%
- Master's0.8%
Highest education held by human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping Segment Value High school 21.1% Certificate 5.7% Some college 11.2% Associate's 27.4% Bachelor's 33.8% Master's 0.8%
Also advertised as: Human Resources Administrative Assistant (HR Administrative Assistant), Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant), Human Resources Associate (HR Associate), Personnel Clerk.
Pay
How much do Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping make?
Every human resources assistant, except payroll and timekeeping in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$50,610
Middle half earn $44,030 to $59,800
- 10th
- $37,340
- 25th
- $44,030
- 75th
- $59,800
- 90th
- $68,280
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $37,340 |
| 25th | $44,030 |
| Median | $50,610 |
| 75th | $59,800 |
| 90th | $68,280 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $50,610
- Median hourly wage
- $24.33/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $52,250
- People employed
- 90,220
Versus all US occupations
At $50,610, the median for Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping sits in line with the $50,980 median across all US occupations.
Versus office and administrative support occupations
Inside the Office and Administrative Support group, where the middle occupation pays $49,230, this is 3% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $68,280 or more while the bottom 10% earn $37,340, a gap of 1.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 23% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
District of Columbia posts the highest raw median ($59,050), but once local prices are taken into account North Dakota leads at $59,578 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $59,050 | $53,730 | 610 |
| 2California | $57,590 | $52,014 | 11,490 |
| 3Washington | $57,390 | $53,629 | 2,350 |
| 4Maryland | $56,880 | $54,193 | 1,480 |
| 5Alaska | $56,510 | $55,208 | 260 |
| 6Rhode Island | $56,370 | $55,113 | 150 |
| 7Massachusetts | $55,840 | $52,800 | 1,400 |
| 8Colorado | $54,880 | $53,255 | 1,660 |
| 9Minnesota | $54,520 | $55,282 | 3,380 |
| 10New Jersey | $54,410 | $50,007 | 4,000 |
Job outlook
Is Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -6.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | −6.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping to change -6.2% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 6,000 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 7,900 openings are projected each year, 8.2% of the 96,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of information clerks is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of information clerks varies by occupation (see table).
The increased use of online ordering and self-service systems will limit demand for some of these workers, such as order clerks and human resources assistants.
Getting in
How to become a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping.
- Bachelor's Degree33.8%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree27.4%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)21.1%
- Some College Courses11.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5.7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.8% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 27.4% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 21.1% |
| Some College Courses | 11.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 5.7% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping do?
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.
Information clerks do routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.
Day-to-day tasks
- Examine employee files to answer inquiries and provide information for personnel actions.
- Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
- Answer questions regarding examinations, eligibility, salaries, benefits, and other pertinent information.
- Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence.
- Gather personnel records from other departments or employees.
- Record data for each employee, including such information as addresses, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports on performance, and dates of and reasons for terminations.
- Search employee files to obtain information for authorized persons and organizations, such as credit bureaus and finance companies.
- Provide assistance in administering employee benefit programs and worker's compensation plans.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most information clerks work full time. However, part-time work is common for hotel clerks and file clerks.
Clerks in lodging and transportation establishments that are open around the clock may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayHandling conflict situations at least monthly.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening4.0
- Speaking3.8
- Writing3.5
- Critical Thinking3.4
- Monitoring3.4
- Active Learning3.0
- Learning Strategies2.5
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.5 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 |
| Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4
- Time Management3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Service Orientation3.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
- Persuasion2.9
- Negotiation2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.4 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Service Orientation | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 2.9 |
| Negotiation | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Computer based training software
- Desktop publishing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 1 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 7 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Conventional7.0
- Enterprising3.9
- Social3.2
- Realistic1.4
- Investigative1.4
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
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More office and administrative support careers
Median annual pay, with human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping highlighted
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant$76,590
- Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant$55,570
- Public Safety Telecommunicator$53,040
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk$50,670
- Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$50,610
- Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47,540
- Customer Service Representative$44,770
- Teller$43,030
- Receptionist and Information Clerk$38,010
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant | $76,590 |
| Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $55,570 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $53,040 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk | $50,670 |
| Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,610 |
| Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $47,540 |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,770 |
| Teller | $43,030 |
| Receptionist and Information Clerk | $38,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping appears on
Questions
Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping: frequently asked questions
How much do Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping make?
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping earn a median of $50,610 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), close to the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $24.33/hr. The middle half earn between $44,030 and $59,800. The top 10% earn $68,280 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 33.8% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 6.2% over 2025–2035, a loss of 6,000 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 7,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping do?
Information clerks do routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers. A core O*NET task: examine employee files to answer inquiries and provide information for personnel actions. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Document management software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping the most?
The highest state medians for Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping are District of Columbia ($59,050), California ($57,590), Washington ($57,390) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, North Dakota moves to the top at $59,578.
What personality type suits a Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping?
O*NET scores Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping highest on the Conventional, Enterprising and Social interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ESFJ, ESTJ, ISFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.