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Benefits Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

5 Legal

Tax & Employee Benefits Associate

Richmond, VA

$57K - $77K/yr

A global and top 100 Am Law firm seeks an associate to join their Employee Benefits Team in their Richmond office. The ideal candidate must have up to 5 years of law firm employee benefits and ...

Winston Support Services

Benefits Specialist

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

Our client is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Benefits Associate to join our Health and Welfare Team. The individual must be capable of producing accurate work in a time-sensitive, deadline ...

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Benefits Associate information

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$10

$19

$33

How much do benefits associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for benefits associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Benefits Associates typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily pay is more common in specialized roles like consultants, project managers, or freelance professionals with significant experience. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive industry expertise, and may involve contract or freelance work with variable income. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and experience, but earning $700 daily generally exceeds standard benefits associate compensation.

What are Benefits Associates?

Benefits Associates are human resources professionals who specialize in administering and managing employee benefits programs within an organization. Their responsibilities include enrolling employees in health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits, answering benefits-related questions, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. They act as a liaison between employees and benefits providers, helping employees understand their options and resolve any issues related to their benefits. Benefits Associates play a key role in ensuring employees receive the benefits they are entitled to, while also supporting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Benefits Associate vs Benefits Coordinator?

CriteriaBenefits AssociateBenefits Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer a relevant certificationHigh school diploma; often preferred to have certifications like CEBS or similar
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, interacting with employees and HR teamsOffice environment, managing benefits programs and employee inquiries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, corporate, and government sectorsUsed across similar industries, focusing on benefits administration
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing entry-level benefits rolesIndividuals seeking roles with more responsibilities in benefits management

The Benefits Associate typically handles basic benefits administration tasks, assisting employees with inquiries and processing benefits data. The Benefits Coordinator often takes on a more active role in managing benefits programs, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring compliance. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but the Benefits Coordinator usually involves more responsibility and experience.

What are some common challenges Benefits Associates face when managing employee benefits inquiries?

Benefits Associates often handle a high volume of questions from employees regarding complex benefits plans, such as health insurance, retirement, and leave policies. One challenge is ensuring accurate and timely communication while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of changing regulations and company policies. Additionally, Benefits Associates must balance confidentiality with the need to provide clear, helpful guidance, often collaborating closely with HR, payroll, and external vendors. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills can help overcome these challenges and improve the employee experience.

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

To thrive as a Benefits Associate, you need a strong understanding of employee benefits administration, attention to detail, and typically a bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, benefits management software, and compliance regulations such as ERISA is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and discretion in handling sensitive information are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate benefits administration, regulatory compliance, and positive employee experiences within organizations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Benefits Associates typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree, as this role usually offers lower wages. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or certain skilled trades like commercial driving or technical work, which may require certifications or experience. These roles often involve commission, bonuses, or overtime to achieve such earnings.

What does an employee benefits associate do?

An employee benefits associate manages and administers employee benefit programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They assist employees with benefits enrollment, answer questions, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations, often using benefits administration software. Strong communication skills and knowledge of benefits regulations are essential for this role.

Is it hard to be a benefits specialist?

Being a benefits specialist requires strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, attention to detail, and good communication skills. The role often involves managing benefits administration, understanding regulations, and using benefits management software. While it can be challenging initially, gaining relevant certifications and experience can make the job more manageable.
More about Benefits Associate jobs
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Benefits Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Benefits Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Employee Benefits Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$225K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits Associate with 1–4 years of experience to join a premier Employee Benefits and ERISA practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for attorneys interested in advising clients on complex employee benefits, retirement plans, healthcare compliance, and benefits-related aspects of corporate transactions and restructurings.

The ideal candidate will have experience with ERISA and employee benefits matters and a strong interest in developing deep subject matter expertise in this highly specialized and growing area of law.

Responsibilities
  • Advise clients on ERISA and employee benefits compliance matters
  • Counsel employers regarding qualified retirement plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements
  • Support mergers, acquisitions, private equity transactions, restructurings, and other corporate transactions involving employee benefits issues
  • Conduct benefits-related due diligence and assist with transaction structuring
  • Analyze and advise on retirement plan, healthcare, and employee benefit compliance matters
  • Draft and review benefits-related plan documents, agreements, and compliance materials
  • Collaborate with attorneys across corporate, tax, labor, restructuring, and executive compensation practices
Qualifications
  • 1–4 years of experience in ERISA, employee benefits, tax, labor and employment, or related practice areas
  • Experience with qualified plans, multiemployer pension plans, health and welfare plans, and ACA compliance preferred
  • M&A and/or restructuring experience involving employee benefits issues is strongly preferred
  • Background in related areas such as tax, labor, benefits consulting, or accounting will be considered
  • Executive compensation experience is helpful but not required
  • Excellent analytical, research, drafting, and communication skills
  • Outstanding academic credentials and attention to detail
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary range: $225,000 – $310,000
  • Competitive bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Retirement and savings plan options
  • Opportunity to work alongside leading ERISA and employee benefits attorneys on sophisticated transactional and compliance matters

This opportunity offers exceptional training, mentorship, and the ability to develop specialized expertise in one of the most technically sophisticated and in-demand areas of legal practice.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through Direct Counsel.