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Benefit Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

HR and Benefits Associate

Reston, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

As an HR and Benefits Associate at NVR, the parent company of Ryan Homes and NVHomes, you'll be an integral part of a dynamic team, providing essential HR support and services to our thriving ...

Job Title HR Specialist, Associate (Benefits) Location Arlington, VA US (Primary) Job Type Full-time Position Benefits As an employee of YRCI working full-time, you are eligible for an attractive ...

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Benefit Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$10

$21

$35

How much do benefit associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for benefit associate in Washington, DC is $21.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a benefit associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Benefit Associate, you need a solid understanding of employee benefits programs, attention to detail, and often a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS systems, benefits administration software, and payroll platforms is typically required, along with certifications like CEBS being advantageous. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial for assisting employees and resolving inquiries. These skills ensure accurate benefits management, high employee satisfaction, and compliance with regulations.

What are some common challenges benefit associates face when assisting employees with benefits enrollment?

Benefit Associates often encounter challenges such as explaining complex benefits options to employees with varying levels of understanding, managing high volumes of inquiries during open enrollment periods, and ensuring accurate data entry to avoid coverage issues. They must stay up-to-date with changing regulations and company policies. Successful Benefit Associates develop strong communication and organizational skills to address employee concerns efficiently while maintaining confidentiality and compliance.

What is the difference between Benefit Associate vs Benefits Coordinator?

AspectBenefit AssociateBenefits Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; often preferred certifications in benefits administration or HR
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, interacting with employees and HR teamsOffice environment, managing benefits programs and employee inquiries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, retail, and corporate sectorsUsed in HR departments across various industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those interested in entry-level benefits rolesCompared for roles involving benefits administration and coordination

The Benefit Associate typically handles basic benefits inquiries and processes, often in entry-level positions. Benefits Coordinators usually manage benefits programs more comprehensively, including administration and employee support. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar industries, but Benefits Coordinators often have more responsibilities related to benefits management.

What is a benefit associate?

Benefit Associates are professionals who assist employees with understanding, enrolling in, and managing their company-sponsored benefits programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. They serve as a point of contact between employees and benefits providers, helping to resolve issues and answer questions. Benefit Associates also help ensure that benefit programs comply with regulations and company policies. Their role is essential for supporting employees' well-being and ensuring smooth administration of benefits packages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Benefit jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Benefit jobs in Washington, DC are:

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney
Locations

Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Downtown Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; Reston, Virginia; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; Santa Monica, California; Washington, DC

Direct Counsel is seeking a Compensation & Benefits Associate Attorney to join the nationally recognized executive compensation and employee benefits practice of a premier law firm.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a 3rd–6th year associate with sophisticated experience in executive compensation, equity arrangements, public company disclosure, and transactional benefits support to work on high-profile matters involving M&A, IPOs, and complex compensation structures.

The role offers substantial exposure to deal-driven compensation work, public company counseling, and executive arrangements for leading corporate clients.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of executive compensation and employee benefits experience, including strong familiarity with:

  • Equity and executive compensation
  • Proxy disclosures
  • Employment agreements
  • Severance agreements
  • IRC Sections 280G and 409A
  • Compensation issues in mergers & acquisitions
  • IPO-related compensation matters
  • Public company governance and disclosure support

This is an excellent opportunity for an associate who enjoys both standalone executive compensation counseling and deal-side compensation support.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on:
    • Executive compensation arrangements
    • Equity incentive plans
    • Employment and severance agreements
    • Change-in-control protections
    • Deferred compensation structures
  • Support compensation and benefits issues in:
    • M&A transactions
    • IPOs
    • Capital markets transactions
    • Corporate restructurings
  • Draft and review:
    • Equity award agreements
    • Proxy disclosures
    • Employment contracts
    • Retention and severance agreements
    • Transaction bonus and rollover structures
  • Counsel on compliance with:
    • IRC 280G
    • IRC 409A
    • SEC disclosure requirements
  • Work closely with M&A, capital markets, tax, and employment teams on integrated matters
  • Advise boards, compensation committees, and senior executives on compensation governance issues
Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • 3–6 years of compensation & benefits experience
  • Strong background in:
    • Executive compensation
    • Equity compensation
    • Proxy disclosures
    • M&A and IPO compensation support
    • 280G and 409A analysis
  • Excellent academic credentials
  • Superior writing, oral communication, and analytical skills
  • Strong client counseling and drafting abilities
  • Admission in the applicable jurisdiction preferred
Compensation

Base salary range: $260,000 – $390,000

Compensation will vary based on office, class year, experience, and overall fit.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal attorney will be:

  • Strong in executive compensation and public company work
  • Comfortable with transaction-side benefits support
  • Experienced with 280G and 409A technical issues
  • Interested in high-level board and compensation committee matters
  • Commercially minded and detail-oriented
  • Looking for national platform sophistication
Why This Opportunity

This is a highly attractive opportunity for a midlevel executive compensation associate seeking sophisticated deal flow, public company counseling, and strong national flexibility across major legal markets. The multi-office platform plus M&A/IPO crossover makes this especially compelling for associates looking to deepen both technical and transactional compensation expertise.