What Does an HR Software Consultant Do?

An HR software consultant is a professional who develops, analyzes, and tests software solutions that are used for human resources, including payroll, training, administration, timekeeping, and employee intranet modules.

A software consultant, also known as a computer systems analyst, typically earns a salary of around $79,680 per year. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 25 percent over the next 10 years. Read on to learn more about a career as an HR software consultant.

How to Become an HR Software Consultant

Most software consultants have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Because it’s also important to have human resources knowledge if you’d like to specialize in HR, a dual major or minor in HR is also a smart choice. In some cases, earning a master’s degree in business administration can help you advance in this field. Most importantly, you should have sharp analytical skills, the creativity to develop solutions that may be outside the standard ideas, and the communication skills to share these ideas with upper management.

What the Job Entails

As an HR software consultant, you’ll be responsible for reviewing the HR systems and technology that the organization has in place and coming up with improved solutions based on the needs of the company and its employees. This may involve designing new software programs from scratch or making changes to programs that are already in existence. The software consultant is also responsible for explaining these solutions to those in leadership roles and doing quality analysis to make sure the software is satisfactory. Most systems analysts work full time, and some work in-house for particular companies, while others serve as independent contractors.

HR Software Consultant Salary

The median pay for computer systems analysts in 2012 was $79,680, which means that half of all people in this profession made more than that amount, and half made less. The lowest paid 10 percent of software consultants made less than $49,950, and the top 10 percent earned more than $122,090. About 25 percent of those in this role regularly work more than 40 hours a week, opening the possibility for overtime.

Job Outlook for HR Software Consultants

As technology continues to advance and the field of HR continues to grow, professionals in this role will be in high demand. The BLS estimates that 127,700 new jobs in this field will be available by 2022, which is much faster growth than in other occupations. While the fastest growth for software consultants will be in the healthcare field, HR specialists will be needed in this realm as well. IT consulting firms, which provide HR software consultants to a variety of businesses, are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years as new technologies and software comes to fruition.

If you’re interested in a career in software, HR is a great area in which to specialize. To learn more about becoming an HR software consultant, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.