What Does a Benefits Analyst Do?
A benefits analyst is a human resources professional who administers and analyzes employee benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, wellness initiatives, and paid leave. Their work ensures that benefit offerings align with organizational goals, meet regulatory standards, and support employee satisfaction and retention.
Benefits analysts work closely with HR teams, benefits providers, brokers, and legal counsel to manage enrollments, resolve claims issues, analyze plan performance, and prepare compliance reports. They also serve as a point of contact for employee questions and play a key role during open enrollment periods and plan renewals.
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Benefits Analyst Core Responsibilities
- Administer and maintain employee benefits programs (e.g., health, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA)
- Support annual open enrollment, new hire onboarding, and qualifying life event changes
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including ERISA, HIPAA, and ACA
- Analyze benefits utilization data to inform plan design or cost-saving strategies
- Collaborate with third-party vendors, insurance carriers, and brokers
- Answer employee inquiries and explain benefits options and procedures
- Audit enrollment records, invoices, and contribution data for accuracy
- Assist in benefits communications and policy documentation
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Oracle) and Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge of employee benefits laws and compliance requirements
- Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities
- Experience preparing reports and tracking benefits metrics
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Clear, empathetic communication with employees and vendors
- Discretion in handling confidential health and compensation data
- Ability to manage deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, finance, or related field
Certifications
- Not required, but Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or similar credentials are preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in employee benefits or HR administration
- Experience with benefits audits, compliance filings, or vendor management
- Familiarity with leave administration (FMLA, ADA, short-term disability)
- Participation in wellness program strategy or implementation
- Exposure to mergers, acquisitions, or benefit transitions
National Average Salary
Benefits analyst salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Benefits Analyst is:
$62,875
Sample Job Description Templates for Benefits Analysts
Entry-Level Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
An entry-level benefits analyst supports the administration and evaluation of employee benefits programs, assisting with daily operations, enrollments, and employee communications. This role provides foundational experience in HR and benefits functions.
Responsibilities
- Assist with benefits enrollment, changes, and terminations
- Maintain accurate employee benefits records in HRIS
- Respond to employee inquiries and escalate complex issues
- Help audit benefits invoices and verify data accuracy
- Support open enrollment logistics and benefits orientations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of benefits programs and HR systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data entry
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Professional communication and teamwork
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or a related field
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or administrative experience in HR or finance
- Familiarity with benefit-related regulations (e.g., HIPAA, ACA)
Mid-Level Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
A mid-level benefits analyst manages day-to-day operations of employee benefits, analyzes utilization trends, and provides subject matter support to HR partners and employees.
Responsibilities
- Administer health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
- Analyze plan usage, identify cost-saving opportunities, and prepare reports
- Coordinate with vendors and brokers to resolve issues
- Support compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and COBRA
- Assist with wellness initiatives and benefits education campaigns
Requirements
Hard skills
- Intermediate knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Workday)
- Ability to interpret and apply benefits regulations
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and process improvement mindset
- Strong written and verbal communication
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or finance
Certifications
- CEBS or benefits administration coursework preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years in HR or benefits-specific roles
- Experience with plan renewals or vendor management
Senior Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
A senior benefits analyst leads strategic analysis and administration of benefits programs, ensuring legal compliance and optimizing offerings for cost and employee engagement.
Responsibilities
- Lead open enrollment, renewal negotiations, and benefits communications
- Audit plan data, manage reporting, and oversee compliance filings (5500s)
- Serve as escalation point for complex benefits issues
- Collaborate with finance and legal on policy development
- Evaluate benefits benchmarks and propose plan enhancements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level benefits compliance and plan design knowledge
- Advanced Excel and data analysis/reporting skills
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration
- High attention to confidentiality and accuracy
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business or HR; master’s preferred
Certifications
- CEBS strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in benefits roles
- Involvement in M&A, wellness strategy, or global plan harmonization
Health & Wellness Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
This specialized analyst focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of employee health and wellness programs, aiming to improve workforce health outcomes and manage healthcare costs.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage wellness programs, incentives, and communications
- Analyze health plan data and trends to inform strategies
- Partner with vendors on health screenings, EAPs, and wellness platforms
- Measure program ROI and employee engagement
- Align wellness offerings with DEI and corporate health goals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with wellness program design and healthcare analytics
- Familiarity with health regulations and insurance terminology
Soft skills
- Passion for wellness and employee engagement
- Creative communication and program management
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, HR, or a related field
Certifications
- Wellness certification (e.g., CWWS) is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years in wellness, benefits, or healthcare HR roles
- Experience with biometric screenings or corporate fitness programs
Compliance-Focused Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
A compliance-focused analyst ensures benefits programs align with all applicable laws and prepares documentation for audits, filings, and internal policy reviews.
Responsibilities
- Conduct regular audits of benefits plans and documentation
- Prepare and submit compliance filings (e.g., 5500s, ACA reports)
- Monitor legal updates and adjust policies accordingly
- Maintain SOPs and ensure vendor adherence to regulatory standards
- Support internal and external audits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and IRS guidelines
- Proficiency with compliance systems and data tracking
Soft skills
- Meticulous and highly detail-oriented
- Comfortable communicating regulatory changes across teams
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, legal studies, or compliance
Certifications
- CEBS or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 4+ years in HR or benefits compliance roles
- Experience with third-party audits or regulatory inquiries
Global Benefits Analyst
Position Overview
A global benefits analyst supports international benefits programs, ensuring compliance with country-specific regulations and aligning offerings with global HR strategy.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate benefits offerings across international locations
- Research local market practices and statutory benefits
- Liaise with global vendors and brokers to ensure compliance and service delivery
- Translate and localize benefits communications
- Track global benefits costs and benchmark plans regionally
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with global benefits practices and compliance standards
- Ability to analyze multinational cost data and policies
Soft skills
- Cross-cultural communication and adaptability
- Organized, proactive, and deadline-driven
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, international business, or related field
Certifications
- Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) or similar preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting benefits in EMEA, APAC, or LATAM regions
- Proficiency in a second language