HR Coordinator: Duties, Pay, and How to Become One

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn about HR coordinators, what they earn, and what you'll need to do to become one.

[Featured image] A female, wearing a green top, is sitting at her desk by the window in the office, as she performs her duties as an hr coordinator.

Human resources (HR) coordinators support the daily operations of a company’s HR department. In this role, you’ll perform clerical and administrative duties for hiring, benefits and entitlements, and employee relations. As a result, you'll be a critical link between employees and HR managers, ensuring everyone's needs are met. 

If you're an organized, detail-oriented individual who excels in collaborative roles, becoming an HR coordinator can be a rewarding career choice.

Learn more about HR coordinators, what they do, how much they earn, and what you need to do to become one. Then, explore future careers you may pursue as an HR coordinator and find suggested cost-effective courses to help you gain job-relevant skills today.

What is an HR coordinator?

HR coordinators perform the administrative and clerical functions of HR departments, including tasks like maintaining personnel records, creating and updating employee handbooks, and developing employee orientation programs. Sometimes, you may also manage payroll functions, administer benefits plans, and coordinate employer-sponsored events. 

As an HR coordinator, you will frequently be the first contact for existing staff and job applicants who have questions about open positions. HR coordinator roles are usually full-time during regular office hours, but you may occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines.

What does an HR coordinator do?

Human resources coordinators are responsible for various HR-related duties and work closely with HR managers. While your exact duties will vary from one position to another, some common duties you can expect include the following:

  • Manage physical and digital copies of employee records.

  • Assist with the recruitment process of candidates.

  • Manage the administrative process for interviews, meetings, HR events, and campaigns.

  • Conduct training sessions and seminars.

  • Collaborate with the entire human resource team.

  • Assist with internal and external human resource inquiries from employees.

  • Track the hiring status of candidates using the company’s human resource information system (HRIS).

  • Conduct background checks on new employees.

HR coordinator salary

According to Indeed’s September 2024 data, human resource coordinators earn an average base salary of $57,825 CAD. Your precise earnings will vary depending on many factors, including your location. For example, HR coordinators in Calgary, Alberta, make $79,791 CAD on average. In contrast, if you work in Thornhill, Ontario, you might earn an average of $55,826 CAD [1]. 

Related roles and their salaries

Some companies may call HR coordinator jobs by a different job title. As you search for an HR coordinator role, you may encounter the following comparable titles listed with their base pay as of September 2024.

- HR assistant: $49,583 CAD per year [2]

- HR representative: $48,310 CAD per year [3]

- Recruiting coordinator: $55,561 CAD per year [4]

- HR specialist: $86,918 CAD per year [5]

- HR officer: $117,184 CAD per year [6]

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How to become an HR coordinator

HR coordinators ensure the proper functioning of large and small HR departments. There are numerous paths to begin an HR career. However, the following represent some common steps many professionals take to join the field.

1. Get the relevant education.

HR jobs typically require a college diploma or evidence that you completed a professional development program. Some employers may require Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) certification. For more senior positions, employers may also expect applicants to have a master's degree in human resource management.

2. Gain the right HR coordinator skills.

To be a successful HR coordinator, you must be a detail-oriented and organized individual who excels at communication and collaboration. You'll need the people skills to meet employee needs empathetically and the technical know-how to ensure your company abides by all federal and state laws. Focus on developing the following skills to succeed as a professional HR coordinator:

  • Understanding of payroll, benefits, and the recruiting and hiring process

  • Comfort leading training and development efforts

  • Grasp of employment law

  • Proficiency in Office Suite software

  • Knowledge of HR procedures, practices, and laws

  • Organizational skills

  • Attention to detail

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively manage employee relations

  • Time and project management skills

3. Obtain HR certification.

Human resources professionals often rise through the ranks as they gain experience. However, getting certifications can help you advance your career more quickly. Certifications can also make it easier to change your specialization within human resources or move into a new company or industry. If you're interested in making HR your profession, consider these certifications:

  • Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)

  • SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

  • Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP)

4. Make use of your networks.

Networking is an effective strategy to get your foot in the door, not only for an entry-level job but also for more senior positions within the HR industry. Consider these strategies to build relationships, gather information, and improve your exposure:

  • Talk with friends and family members who have worked in HR. 

  • Attend local networking events and meet other HR professionals. 

  • Join social media groups or follow HR professionals on LinkedIn. 

  • Connect with a mentor who can provide career guidance and advice.

5. Craft a resume or CV that demonstrates your HR coordinator competencies. 

When considering a new job or pivoting to a new career, it's essential to understand how your experience and skills meet employers' needs. As a result, you should work to identify the transferable skills you possess and how they might fit with an HR coordinator role. For example, if you've previously worked in customer service, then you might highlight your experience in complex interpersonal interactions, your negotiating skills, and your ability to develop creative solutions that resolve problems and improve customer satisfaction. These are all good examples of transferable skills valued in HR departments.

Hiring managers looking for HR talent will want to review your accomplishments, so include them on your resume. For example, you might note that in a previous position, you reduced employee turnover from 15 per cent to 8 per cent by initiating an employee recognition program. Whatever your accomplishment, potential employers will likely want to understand the impact of your work.

Future career paths from HR coordinator jobs

Landing a job as an HR coordinator could be the first step to obtaining more advanced positions in the field. If you want to advance your HR career, consider these opportunities:

  • HR supervisor: In this role, you would take on more responsibilities, such as supervising junior coordinators and handling more complex projects, such as coordinating benefits for new hires. You might also manage employee performance reviews for a larger group of employees.

  • HR specialist: You could specialize in payroll and benefits, recruitment, training, or any other HR function. If you’re climbing the ladder in an enterprise environment, specialization is a great way to gain exposure to higher levels in the management structure.

  • HR consultant: Many consulting firms work with companies of all sizes to help them address their talent needs or improve their people practices, such as employee engagement, training, or diversity and inclusion programs.

  • HR manager: In this position, you are responsible for everything related to human resources, from hiring staff to ensuring retention and performance management. The role will vary depending on company size and industry. If you’re moving from a coordinator role, you may want to take this role at a smaller company where you can gain experience before moving up the ranks.

Earn a professional HR certificate online

An HR coordinator is the backbone of an HR department, handling administrative tasks and acting as a liaison between employees and HR managers. The role offers a competitive salary and serves as a springboard for further HR careers, making it suitable for organized and detail-oriented individuals with strong interpersonal skills.

If you want to apply for an HR coordinator role, online learning can offer an excellent starting point to build your credentials and skills. For example, consider exploring the HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate on Coursera if you're just starting out.

In the University of Minnesota's Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization on Coursera, you'll learn how to become a better manager by developing strategies and skills for hiring, managing performance, and rewarding employees.

Article sources

1

Indeed, “Human Resources Coordinator Salary, https://ca.indeed.com/career/human-resources-coordinator/salaries.” Accessed September 20, 2024.

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