upper level job

Benefits Clerk I Salary in the United States

How much does a Benefits Clerk I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Benefits Clerk I in the United States is $51,293 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Benefits Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,416
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,417 to $57,639
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,068

Key Factors That Influence Benefits Clerk I Salaries

A Benefits Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Benefits Clerk Is

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:

  • San Jose: $64,696
  • San Francisco: $63,987
  • Oakland: $62,639

Benefits Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Benefits Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,322. While startup companies pay approximate $48,489.

Benefits Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,489
Growth Stage 51~500 $51,282
Established 501~5000 $55,352
Enterprise 5000+ $57,322

Benefits Clerk I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Benefits Clerk 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 September 01, 2026
$45,417
Average $51,293/year
$57,639
$3,785
Average $4,274/month
$4,803
$873
Average $986/week
$1,108
$22
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,639 $4,803 $1,108 $28
Average $51,293 $4,274 $986 $25
25th Percentile $45,417 $3,785 $873 $22

Benefits Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Benefits Clerk I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Benefits Clerk II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,124 - a projected growth of 7% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Benefits Clerk I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Benefits Clerk I

Here are companies hiring for Benefits Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Benefits Clerk I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Benefits Clerk I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Benefits Clerk I

1. Where can a Benefits Clerk I earn the most?

A Benefits Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Benefits Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Benefits Clerk I is $64,696.

2. What is the highest pay for Benefits Clerk I?

The highest pay for Benefits Clerk I is $63,416.

3. What is the lowest pay for Benefits Clerk I?

The lowest pay for Benefits Clerk I is $40,068.

4. What are the responsibilities of Benefits Clerk I?

Performs clerical and administrative tasks that support the day-to-day operation of an organization's employee benefits programs. Enters and updates employee benefit data, enrollments, and changes in HRIS and recordkeeping systems. Processes routine benefits paperwork, including enrollment forms, status changes, and documentation requests. Maintains and organizes benefits files, records, and correspondence to ensure they remain current and accessible. Assists with the preparation of reports, invoice processing, and open enrollment support as directed. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst