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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retirement Plan Administrator III in California is $103,310 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Retirement Plan Administrator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Retirement Plan Administrator III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,890 | $9,408 | $2,171 | $54 |
| Average | $103,310 | $8,609 | $1,987 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,540 | $7,712 | $1,780 | $44 |
Strongpoint Partners - Chico, CA
Confidential - SAINT PAUL, MN
Confidential - SHELTON, CT
Marriott - PUKALANI MAUI, HI
A Retirement Plan Administrator III'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 Retirement Plan Administrator III'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 | $64,659 |
| 401K Services Specialist II | 2-4 years | $79,178 |
| Retirement Plan Administrator III | 4-7 years | $103,304 |
| 401K Services Supervisor | 7+ years | $104,909 |
| 401K Services Manager | 7+ years | $154,506 |
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 Retirement Plan Administrator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Retirement Plan Administrator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $111,229. While startup companies pay approximate $94,269.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,269 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $99,673 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,449 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,229 |
For Retirement Plan Administrator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Retirement Plan Administrator positions in Insurance or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Retirement Plan Administrator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $154,965 | $75.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $123,972 | $60.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Retirement Plan Administrator III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $112,890 | $9,408 | $2,171 | $54 |
| Average | $103,310 | $8,609 | $1,987 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,540 | $7,712 | $1,780 | $44 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Retirement Plan Administrator III, 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 Manager | $154,600 | 50% |
| 401K Services Supervisor | $105,000 | 2% |
| External Accounting Services Manager | $154,600 | 50% |
| Business Process Advisor IV | $137,500 | 33% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Retirement Plan Administrator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Marriott
KIHEI, HI
Marriott
LAHAINA, HI
Marriott
BIRMINGHAM, AL
Marriott
JERE BAXTER, TN
Marriott
NASHVILLE, TN
Marriott
CHARLOTTE, NC
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