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Employee Benefits Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

5 Legal

Employee Benefits Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Am Law top 10 and one of the world's most elite law firms seeks a highly qualified associate to join their Employee Benefits group. The ideal candidate would have 1-4 years of full-time experience ...

Health Advocate Solutions

Benefits Associate

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Benefits Associate, you'll serve as a trusted resource for members navigating healthcare, ... Employee Benefits Enrollment * Health Insurance * Medicare * COBRA Administration * Healthcare ...

Health Advocate, Inc.

Benefits Associate

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

As a Benefits Associate, you'll serve as a trusted resource for members navigating healthcare, ... Employee Benefits Enrollment * Health Insurance * Medicare * COBRA Administration * Healthcare ...

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Employee Benefits Associate information

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$10

$19

$33

How much do employee benefits associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for employee 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 is an employee benefits associate?

Employee Benefits Associates are professionals who help organizations design, implement, and manage employee benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. They serve as liaisons between employees, benefits vendors, and management to ensure that benefits offerings are competitive and compliant with legal requirements. Their responsibilities often include educating employees about available benefits, resolving benefits-related issues, and maintaining accurate records. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of benefits regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an employee benefits associate?

To excel as an Employee Benefits Associate, you need a strong understanding of benefits administration, compliance regulations, and typically a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS platforms, benefits enrollment software, and knowledge of COBRA and ERISA rules are commonly required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate benefits management, regulatory compliance, and effective support for employees and HR teams.

How does an employee benefits associate typically collaborate with HR teams and external vendors?

An Employee Benefits Associate regularly works alongside HR teams to ensure accurate administration of employee benefit programs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. They serve as a liaison between the company and third-party vendors, assisting with plan selection, renewals, and issue resolution. Effective communication and attention to detail are vital, as the associate must interpret policy details, answer employee inquiries, and coordinate open enrollment periods smoothly. Collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders is essential to maintain compliance and deliver a positive benefits experience for employees.

What are the most commonly searched types of Employee Benefits jobs?

The most popular types of Employee Benefits jobs are:

What states have the most Employee Benefits Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Employee Benefits Associate jobs include:

Employee Benefits Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Employee Benefits Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% 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 • On-site

$225K - $310K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 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.