A benefits specialist is responsible for managing and administering the employee benefits program for an organization. They work as part of the Human Resources department and oversee the allocation of employee benefits packages. They must be well versed in retirement and insurance plans and have solid communications skills to explain benefit plans to employees. They typically handle inquiries from employees about company insurance and retirement benefits. They need good attention to detail in ensuring that employees receive the proper benefits package. These specialists work with health care providers, investment brokers, and company management to identify new or better benefits and insurance plans. They also research and analyze healthcare plans, design benefit packages, and evaluate job positions to determine adequate employee classifications and salaries.
Benefits specialists manage employee pension plans, healthcare plans, and 401(k) plans, as well as assist employees with stock options and investment opportunities. They may be required to give presentations on company benefits. They also maintain records of employee benefits. Benefits specialists solve employee disputes concerning benefits and must stay up-to-date on all state and federal regulations pertaining to insurance and employee benefits.
Sample job description
[Your Company Name] is looking for a benefits specialist. The main role is to act as a subject matter expert on benefit and claim questions. The majority of your time will be spent managing daily benefits processing including new enrollments, terminations, and changes. Determine and regularly monitor for benefit eligibility. You will also document and maintain administrative procedures for benefits processes. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience planning and organizing programs and activities as well as carrying out a variety of administrative and program management tasks.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Process paperwork such as FMLA absence, disability, employee life status changes, and more
- Advise employees, answer benefit questions, and enroll employees in benefit and compensation programs
- Research, analyze, and administer healthcare plans
- Assist with new hire orientations
- Distribute benefit enrollment materials
- Assist with open enrollment
- Administer tuition reimbursement program
- Provide necessary reports for billing charges
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, finance, business administration, or a related field
- 2+ years of work experience in finance, business administration, insurance, or a related field
Required skills and qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of employee benefits and applicable laws
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills
- Research and analytical skills
- Strong computer literacy
Preferred qualifications
- Masters degree preferred
- Knowledge of Peoplesoft or relatable software
- Advanced Excel skills preferred
- Experience with state benefits systems and retirement systems preferred
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a benefits specialist is $54,100. The compensation will vary based on level of experience, education, and company size.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $53,800 | $72,800 |
| Los Angeles, California | $60,700 | $82,100 |
| Denver, Colorado | $50,600 | $68,450 |
| Washington, DC | $61,600 | $83,350 |
| Miami, Florida | $50,350 | $68,100 |
| Orlando, Florida | $46,500 | $62,800 |
| Tampa, Florida | $46,900 | $63,450 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $49,200 | $66,550 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $56,550 | $76,500 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $51,150 | $82,750 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $48,750 | $65,950 |
| New York City, New York | $64,400 | $87,100 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $52,400 | $70,900 |
| Dallas, Texas | $51,050 | $69,050 |
| Houston, Texas | $50,800 | $68,750 |
| Seattle, Washington | $58,850 | $69,250 |
| National Average | $46,000 | $62,200 |
Typical work environment
Benefits specialists work in almost every industry. They work normal business hours in an office setting. Answering questions through phone calls and emails is part of the daily work of a benefits specialist. Communicating with employees and the public is a critical role of the company’s benefits specialist.
Benefits specialists should expect to work around 40 hours a day and are not typically needed overtime (for holidays, weekends, evenings, etc). Light physical activity, such as standing and walking is required.
Typical hours
Benefits specialists typically work a standard 40-hour workweek, with weekends and evenings off. That means they’ll be in the office Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Available certifications
Certifications can be a valuable asset when applying to be a benefits specialist. These certifications can help you sharpen skills, improve knowledge, help you think strategically, and make decisions more confidently. Here are some of the available certifications:
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional or Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM/CP or SHRM/SCP). This certification is designed to help human resource professionals advance in their careers. To be eligible to take the exam, you must pass certain education and work experience criteria. After passing the exam, you must recertify every three years by repeating the exam or completing 60 hours of professional development credits.
- CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist). This certification is earned by those who administer employee benefits packages. The coursework covers employee benefits principles and concepts. A series of exams must be passed to earn certification.
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR). The PHR certification focuses on the mastery of technical and operational aspects of human resource management. You must have a combination of education and experience to sit for the exam. Once the exam is passed, you have to recertify every three years by retaking the exam or having 60 recertification credits.
Career path
To become a benefits specialist, you typically need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. Some employers are looking for candidates with a master’s degree. However, you can become a benefits specialist with an associate’s degree if you have significant work experience.
Benefit specialists positions usually require two or more years of experience in a benefits or human resources position. Starting in an entry-level human resource role is a great start to getting relevant experience.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-3111
| 2020 Employment | 18,700 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 19,400 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 4% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 700 increase |
Position trends
The role of the benefits specialist is evolving, and though it’s growing at a slower pace than many other jobs, it’s still growing. As larger companies grow and begin to hire more people, they’ll need specialists in HR to handle the benefits of their employees. In the next 10 years, there will be a slight increase of 4%, meaning there will be about 700 new positions to open.
Sample interview questions
- What qualities should a benefits specialist have in order to be successful?
- How do you ensure the benefits that companies offer comply with state and federal employment laws?
- How long have you worked as a benefits specialist?
- How would your past employers describe you?
- What were some of your responsibilities in your last role?
- How do you determine which employee benefits to eliminate or expand?
- How do you keep track of costs for the employee benefits?
- How do you educate employees on their health benefits?
- How do you ensure employee records are current and accurate?
- How do you research and propose new benefits policies?
- What process do you follow to enroll new employees for company benefits?
