Benefits Manager

Design, implement, and manage comprehensive employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, and voluntary benefits to attract and retain talent while managing costs. Negotiate with benefits vendors and brokers, conduct annual benefits benchmarking, manage open enrollment, and ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA regulations. Develop benefits communication strategies and manage employee benefits inquiries.

Median salary: $112,000. Projected growth to 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - steady demand across all industries. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $112,000
Entry-level: $72,000 - $92,000
Senior: $165,000+
Growth by 2033: 6% (as fast as average) - steady demand across all industries
Demand: Stable
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 55% Team / 45% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $55,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Health & Welfare Plan Design & Administration
Retirement Plan Management (401k / 403b)
ERISA / ACA / COBRA / HIPAA Compliance
Benefits Vendor Negotiation & Management
Open Enrollment Program Management
Benefits Cost Analysis & Benchmarking

Soft skills

Vendor Management
Regulatory Knowledge
Written Communication
Analytical Thinking
Stakeholder Engagement

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

Benefits Coordinator
Benefits Specialist
Benefits Manager
Senior Benefits Manager
Director of Benefits
VP Total Rewards