As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Benefits Clerk III in the United States is $60,691 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Benefits Clerk III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Benefits Clerk 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Benefits Clerk 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits Clerk | 1-3 years | $55,104 |
| Benefits Clerk III | 3-5 years | $60,691 |
| Benefits Supervisor | 5+ years | $106,488 |
| Benefits Manager | 5+ years | $128,227 |
| Benefits Senior Manager | 5+ years | $171,172 |
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 Benefits Clerk IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 10.82% |
| Billing | 4.53% |
| Workday | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Building Relationships
|
$88,609 |
46%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$67,974 |
12%
|
|
HIPAA
|
$66,153 |
9%
|
|
Initiative
|
$64,939 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$64,939 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$64,332 |
6%
|
Benefits Clerk III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,882. While startup companies pay approximate $57,408.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,408 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,718 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,553 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,882 |
For Benefits Clerk III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 58% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Chemicals and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Benefits Clerk positions in Aerospace & Defense or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Benefits Clerk III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals | $75,864 | $36.0 | 25% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $74,043 | $36.0 | 22% |
| Biotechnology | $72,829 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Media | $71,615 | $34.0 | 18% |
| Business Services | $69,795 | $34.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Benefits Clerk IIIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Benefits Clerk III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $57,104 and $61,304).
Benefits Clerk III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 42.9% |
| High School | 42.9% |
| Associates | 14.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.9% |
| Masters | 8.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Benefits Clerk 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Benefits Clerk III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Benefits Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $106,488 - a projected growth of 75% over your current level.
Salaries for a Benefits Clerk III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,245 in 2023 to around $53,746 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Benefits Clerk III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,245 |
| 2024 | $54,130 |
| 2025 | $53,746 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Benefits Clerk III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Benefits Clerk III is $76,550.
The highest pay for Benefits Clerk III is $79,841.
The lowest pay for Benefits Clerk III is $49,790.
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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
The Chemicals industry offers the highest average compensation for Benefits Clerk III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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