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Defined Contribution Plan Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cover the defined contribution industry, including plan sponsors, record keepers, asset managers, consultants, advisers, regulators and retirement policy. * Break news and develop enterprise stories ...

Cover the defined contribution industry, including plan sponsors, record keepers, asset managers, consultants, advisers, regulators and retirement policy. * Break news and develop enterprise stories ...

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Defined Contribution Plan information

See salary details

$30.5K

$68.9K

$146K

How much do defined contribution plan jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for defined contribution plan in the United States is $68,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals managing Defined Contribution Plans, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals managing Defined Contribution Plans often encounter challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, educating plan participants about investment options, and keeping up with evolving technology platforms. Addressing these issues typically involves ongoing professional development, collaborating closely with legal and compliance teams, and leveraging participant education programs. Success in this role also relies on strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing retirement plan regulations and industry best practices.

What is the difference between Defined Contribution Plan vs Retirement Plan Administrator?

AspectDefined Contribution PlanRetirement Plan Administrator
Primary RoleDesigns, manages, and oversees individual employee retirement accountsAdministers and processes retirement plan operations and compliance
CredentialsFinancial certifications (e.g., CFP, CFA) often preferredPlan administration certifications (e.g., ERPA, CPFA) beneficial
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, HR departments, consulting firmsFinancial services firms, HR departments, third-party administrators
Employer UsageEmployers offer and manage contribution plans like 401(k)Employers rely on administrators for plan compliance and recordkeeping

The main difference is that a Defined Contribution Plan refers to the type of retirement savings plan, while a Retirement Plan Administrator is a professional who manages and processes these plans. The administrator ensures compliance, accurate recordkeeping, and smooth operation of the plan, whereas the plan itself defines how contributions are made and benefits are accrued.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defined Contribution Plan Administrator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Defined Contribution Plan Administrator, you need a solid understanding of retirement plan regulations, compliance, and benefits administration, often backed by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with recordkeeping systems, payroll software, and compliance tools such as ERISA guidelines and ASPPA or CEBS certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing complex plan data and client interactions. These skills ensure accurate plan administration, regulatory compliance, and strong client satisfaction in a highly regulated environment.

What are Defined Contribution Plans?

Defined Contribution Plans are retirement savings plans in which employees, employers, or both make regular contributions to individual accounts. The final benefit depends on the amount contributed and the investment performance of those funds over time. Common examples include 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. Unlike defined benefit plans, which promise a specific payout at retirement, defined contribution plans do not guarantee a particular retirement benefit, making investment choices and account management important for participants.
More about Defined Contribution Plan jobs
What cities are hiring for Defined Contribution Plan jobs? Cities with the most Defined Contribution Plan job openings:
What states have the most Defined Contribution Plan jobs? States with the most job openings for Defined Contribution Plan jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defined Contribution Plan jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defined Contribution Plan jobs are:

Defined Contribution Consultant

Fidelity Investments

Chicago, IL • Remote

$89K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 138 rated financial services


Job description

Job Description:

Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

The Role

As a Consultant in Workplace Consulting (Retirement Practice), you will be consulting with large defined contribution clients on strategies to align retirement benefit programs with business objectives and goals under overarching ERISA or other regulatory requirements. This includes facilitating strategic discussions with clients to understand their retirement plan needs, then developing, implementing, and delivering projects which solution for those requirements. While working in a team-focused and dynamic work environment, you will have an opportunity to apply your skills to help engage associates and encourage a satisfying and productive work atmosphere.

You will bring a unique blend of resilience, initiative, and critical thinking that enables you to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. A self-starter who takes ownership of challenges and opportunities alike, with a strong predisposition toward action and continuous improvement.

  • High-reaching and Creative: Approach problems with curiosity and creativity, always looking for innovative solutions and new ways to add customer value.

  • Standout Colleague: Work well across teams, valuing varied perspectives and encouraging a culture of trust and shared success.

  • Resourceful and Organized: Adept at balancing multiple priorities-while staying focused and organized.

  • Proactive and Curious: Take initiative, ask thoughtful questions, and actively seek out learning opportunities to grow.

  • Thrive in ambiguous situations: Succeed in settings where the direction may not be straightforward, relying on astute reasoning and flexibility to maneuver through uncertainty.

  • Strong Communicator: Bring clarity and confidence to both written and verbal communication, ensuring alignment and momentum across collaborators.

The Expertise and Skills You Bring

  • Bachelor's Degree, preferably in mathematics, economics, business, or another quantitatively thorough subject

  • 6+ years of experience in retirement benefits industry and/or consulting large companies. QKA, QKC, or CEBS exams (a plus)

  • Well-practiced knowledge of qualified Defined Contribution plan program design, legislative and regulatory requirements (ERISA/ IRS/DOL), and plan administration

  • Experience and/or strong understanding in ascertaining employer plan allocations (e.g., match, true-up and/or non-elective contributions) and performing annual nondiscrimination testing for defined contribution plans

  • Experience with reading and interpreting qualified plan documents, SPDs, and other required employee benefit plan material

  • Strong capability to balance and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced work environment

  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Strong oral and written communication skills

  • Experience with IRS/DOL correction programs and submissions (a plus)

The Team

The Fidelity Workplace Consulting Group is made up of over 600 professionals who advise clients on the management of their domestic and global benefits. We are a fast-growing business within Fidelity, offering a broad range of services that span benefits design, strategy, funding, communication, and delivery. Many of our team leaders bring experience from other leading consulting firms. While we primarily serve Fortune 1000 companies, we also work with Fidelity clients of all sizes ranging from Fortune 50 to tax-exempt market to Fortune 2000. For more information about Fidelity Workplace Consulting please visit this link: https://www.fidelityworkplace.com/s/workplaceconsulting.

The base salary range for this position is $89,000-$180,000 per year.

Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career. Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.

Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

Certifications:Category:Consulting

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