As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a 401K Services Specialist I in the United States is $58,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a 401K Services Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 401K Services Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 401K Services Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 401K Services Specialist I | 0-2 years | $58,621 |
| 401K Services Specialist II | 2-4 years | $71,784 |
| 401K Services Specialist III | 4-7 years | $93,657 |
| 401K Services Supervisor | 7+ years | $95,112 |
| 401K Services Manager | 7+ years | $140,078 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 401K Services Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
401K Services Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,200. While startup companies pay approximate $53,563.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,563 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,634 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,052 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,200 |
For 401K Services Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, 401K Services Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 401K Services Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $93,920 | $45.0 | 60% |
Understanding how a 401K Services Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 401K Services Specialist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| External Payroll Specialist | $71,800 | 22% |
| 401K Services Specialist II | $71,800 | 22% |
| External Accounting Services Specialist II | $71,800 | 22% |
| Business Process Advisor II | $71,800 | 22% |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for 401K Services Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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