Human Resources Associate Jobs in California
Human Resources Associate jobs in California are in high demand, with openings concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and financial services across a wide seniority range from entry-level coordinators through senior generalist roles. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like Kaiser Permanente, Google, and Wells Fargo maintain major HR operations and hire associates at scale. The most in-demand specialties include employee relations, talent acquisition support, and HR information systems administration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 497+ Human Resources Associate jobs











INTRODUCTION
We are Payactiv, a FinTech company in the heart of Silicon Valley, devoted to giving workers access to their earned wages when they need them. Payactiv is the pioneer and industry leader in Earned Wage Access. We are the only Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation in our industry. Our app provides millions with financial services that help them avoid debt, manage their finances, and regain flexibility to pay for things on their own schedule.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Payactiv is seeking Human Resources Associate to support the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources function, including recruiting, payroll administration, HR compliance, onboarding, and HR systems administration. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, service-focused, and eager to grow their HR career while supporting team members and managers across the organization.
Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Recruiting:
- Coordinate full-cycle recruiting activities for exempt and non-exempt positions.
- Schedule interviews and manage candidate communications.
- Partner with hiring managers to support the recruitment process.
- Post job openings and maintain applicant tracking systems.
- Conduct reference checks and assist with offer preparation.
- Coordinate pre-employment screening and background checks.
- Support new hire onboarding activities and orientation programs.
Payroll Administration:
- Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll in partnership with payroll providers and internal stakeholders.
- Review timesheets, team member changes, and payroll data for accuracy.
- Process team member status changes, compensation updates, and deductions.
- Assist with payroll audits and reporting.
- Respond to team member payroll-related questions.
- Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable wage and hour regulations.
Human Resources Operations:
- Administer team member onboarding and offboarding processes.
- Maintain team member personnel files and HRIS records.
- Assist with benefits administration and team member enrollment activities.
- Respond to team member questions regarding HR policies, benefits, and programs.
- Support performance management, team member engagement, and recognition initiatives.
- Assist with team member relations matters, investigations, and documentation as appropriate.
- Generate HR reports and metrics.
- Support policy administration and compliance activities.
Compliance & Administration:
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Assist with required team member notices, record retention, and HR documentation.
- Support annual audits and compliance reporting.
- Maintain confidentiality of team member information and sensitive company data.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 1 to 3 years of Human Resources experience.
- Experience supporting recruiting, onboarding and payroll administration.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in a technology, startup, or high-growth environment.
- Knowledge of California employment laws.
- HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) or progress toward certification.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Customer service orientation
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality and professionalism
- Initiative and ownership
- Problem-solving skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
WHAT WE OFFER
- Company sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Health, Dental and Vision Reimbursement account
- 401K, traditional, and Roth with a company match
- Tuition Assistance or Tuition Reimbursement
- Unlimited Paid Time off
- Monthly Gym Reimbursement
- Paid time off to volunteer
- Paid Family Leave
- Complimentary office lunches
- Opportunity to grow and work with a great team committed to making a difference
- Salary Range: 70K to 80K plus Bonus
See All 497+ Human Resources Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsHuman Resources Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Human Resources Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- DaVita17

- Walmart17

- TCC Wireless16

- Revolution Medicines15

- Whole Foods Market14

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software71
- Retail63
- Healthcare & Medical Services59
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals40
- Education40
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in human resources associate jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred by many California employers
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, ADP, or BambooHR
- Working knowledge of California employment law, including CFRA and FEHA
- Experience supporting full-cycle recruitment or onboarding processes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for employee-facing HR support
Human Resources Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a human resources associate in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or psychology as the foundation for an HR associate role. California does not issue a state license for HR professionals, but earning a SHRM-CP or PHR credential through the Society for Human Resource Management or the HR Certification Institute significantly strengthens your candidacy. Many candidates also gain early experience through HR internships at California universities, tech firms, or healthcare systems before moving into full associate roles.
How much do human resources associates make in California?
Human resources associates in California earn a median of about $57,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $41,300 for the lowest 10% to over $78,370 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire human resources associates in California?
Employers hiring human resources associates in California right now include DaVita, Walmart, and TCC Wireless, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of large tech companies, entertainment studios, and healthcare networks means HR associate demand is consistent across a broad range of industries throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most human resources associate jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most human resources associate openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its dense mix of entertainment, healthcare, and corporate headquarters, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect the Bay Area's massive technology and financial services sectors, which maintain large in-house HR teams to manage high-volume hiring and compliance.
Are there remote human resources associate jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, since a significant portion of HR associate work involves documentation, systems administration, and communication that translates well to remote settings. About 12% of human resources associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting broad employer flexibility for this role. The tasks most commonly performed remotely include HRIS data entry, onboarding coordination, and benefits administration, while employee relations and in-person orientation duties tend to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a human resources associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to HR coordinator or HR assistant roles at large California employers that run structured new-grad programs, including Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, and major tech firms in the Bay Area that post rotational HR associate positions each spring. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in recruiting coordination, payroll administration, or office management are common stepping stones. Earning the SHRM-CP certification or completing a California community college HR certificate program gives candidates without formal experience a concrete credential that hiring managers recognize.
Where can I find and apply to human resources associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to human resources associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and target location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 497+ Human Resources Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs