OVERVIEW
What is a Total Rewards Specialist?
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A total reward specialist differs from a rewards specialist or benefits specialist in that they have experience in all the elements of rewards, within the Department of Human Resources. Those rewards would typically include compensation and benefits, employee development, work-life balance, performance, recognition, reputation, equity, and programming.听
Total reward specialists are crucial when it comes to the retention of talent within an organization, and ensuring that all employees are set up to thrive in and enjoy their roles. They are a vital resource for the long-term health of a company.听
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Total Rewards Specialist Do?
A total rewards specialist sits within the HR department and works to balance the reward opportunities available to employees that align with the organization鈥檚 goals, budgets, and expectations. They oversee opportunity and create solutions in the following areas:听
- Compensation and benefits. Salary, insurance & healthcare, continuing education opportunities, PTO, 401Ks, bonuses, and incentives all fall within compensation and benefits rewards.
- Employee development and recognition. Programming and system creation that recognizes and rewards high-tier employees can fall to a total rewards specialist.听
- Work-life balance. The flexibility of a workplace to ensure an employee can maintain work-life balance falls under rewards as well. This can include options like remote work, flexible scheduling, leave options, and volunteer opportunities.听
- Equity and inclusion. Development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion systems or programs also fall within total rewards.听
Do I Need a Certification for this Position?
There are no required certifications for a total rewards specialist, but HR industry certifications can give candidates a competitive edge when applying for jobs. The BSBA in HRM covers the six categories that make up the HR Body of Knowledge established by the Human Resources Certification Institute and helps students in preparing for the HR Certification Institute鈥檚 Professional in Human Resources (PHR庐) Certification Exam and the Society of Human Resource Management鈥檚 Assurance of Learning庐 Exam.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Total Rewards Specialist?
Total reward specialists typically hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree in an HR-related field, with some sort of work or volunteer experience in one or more HR areas, such as benefits, compensation, or diversity and equity. A听bachelor of science business administration in human resource management听sets a candidate up particularly well for a total rewards specialist position because the coursework includes business management, accounting, psychology, industrial relations, and more. This degree ensures you have the business understanding to enter an HR department with confidence, and allows room for study in the area you鈥檇 like to specialize in. For those looking to enter the diversity and inclusion space, there are capstone and program opportunities that focus specifically on those trainings.听
黑料传送门鈥檚 online bachelor of science business administration in human resource management degree program has been recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with their HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. 黑料传送门 has its own online听SHRM virtual student chapter听that all School of Business students at 黑料传送门 are welcome to join. This SHRM virtual student chapter will help students continue learning and networking within the HR profession.
It is highly suggested that those looking to pursue a career in total rewards hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree in an HR-related field, such as a听BSBA in HRM. Those looking to advance further into a position like a VP of Human Resources or a Director of People or Human Resources may benefit from an advanced degree. A BSBA in HRM is the best place to start, giving you the foundational knowledge you need before exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion roles.
Where Does a Total Rewards Specialist Work?
Total rewards specialists are needed in every industry.听听are the most in need, with large tech startups specifically prioritizing HR roles that ensure retention and high quality of life for their employees.
Best Degrees for a听Total Rewards Specialist
Business
Business Management 鈥� B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61%听of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition:听$3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your r茅sum茅 this program will teach you include:听
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Human Resource Management 鈥� B.S. Business Administration
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:
- Time: 65%听of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition:听$3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your r茅sum茅 you will learn in this program include:
- Agile project management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruiting strategies
- HR technology
- DE&I understanding
Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time:听Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition:听$4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your r茅sum茅 you will learn in this program include:听
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else鈥攁nd our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
Business
Human Resource Management 鈥� M.S.
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management...
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management
- Time:听61%听of graduates finish this program within 18 months.
- Tuition:听$4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses:听10 total courses in this program
Skills for your r茅sum茅 that you will learn in this program include:听
- Performance Management
- Communication
- Management
- Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
Earn your M.S. in Human Resources and help companies create excellent cultures.
How Much Does a Total Rewards Specialist Make?
$84,703
The average annual salary for a total rewards specialist as of April 2022 was $84,703 according to ZipRecruiter. This amount can vary based on the industry you are employed in, the size of the company, the size of the HR department, the state you work in, and years of experience in the role. Those who come to a total rewards position with the experience of other HR roles can expect a higher base starting out听
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
10%
Human resource roles are projected to grow听, which is faster than the national average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total rewards specialists can expect a similar rate of growth, though due to the newness of the position, may experience a lack of positions in certain industries.听
SKILLS
What Skills Does a听Total Rewards Specialist Need?
Total reward specialists possess many of the same skills as other HR professionals鈥攅xcellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and empathy, for example. What sets them apart from many in their field is their ability to manage multiple HR divisions and responsibilities simultaneously.听
Total reward specialists are commonly looked to possess the following skills.
- Self-motivation and an ability to work autonomously听听
- Excellent communication skills
- Respect for compliance and confidentiality听
- Creativity and curiosity, with a solutions-based mentality
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to assess data and make recommendations
- Strong organizational skills
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal labor regulations
- Highly numerical and analytical, with a passion for data听
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