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Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I in the United States is $58,620 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,931
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,666 to $64,017
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,066

Key Factors That Influence Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salaries

A Retirement Plan 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.

How Experience Level Affects Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Retirement Plan 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:

  • Retirement Plan Services Specialist I (0-2 years): $58,620
  • Retirement Plan Services Specialist II (2-4 years): $71,784
  • Retirement Plan Services Specialist III (4-7 years): $93,648
  • Retirement Plan Services Supervisor (7+ years): $95,110
  • Retirement Plan Services Manager (7+ years): $140,084
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Retirement Plan Services Specialist I0-2 years$58,620
Retirement Plan Services Specialist II2-4 years$71,784
Retirement Plan Services Specialist III4-7 years$93,648
Retirement Plan Services Supervisor7+ years$95,110
Retirement Plan Services Manager7+ years$140,084

Top Paying Cities for Retirement Plan Services Specialist 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: $73,937
  • San Francisco: $73,128
  • Oakland: $71,587

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Retirement Plan 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 $63,151. While startup companies pay approximate $53,492.

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,492
Growth Stage 51~500 $56,569
Established 501~5000 $60,992
Enterprise 5000+ $63,151

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Retirement Plan 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, Retirement Plan Services Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Retirement Plan Services Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$93,792$45.060%

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Retirement Plan 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 September 01, 2026
$54,666
Average $58,620/year
$64,017
$4,556
Average $4,885/month
$5,335
$1,051
Average $1,127/week
$1,231
$26
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,017 $5,335 $1,231 $31
Average $58,620 $4,885 $1,127 $28
25th Percentile $54,666 $4,556 $1,051 $26

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Retirement Plan 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.

Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Payroll Services Specialist $71,784 22%
Retirement Plan Services Specialist II $71,784 22%
Accounting Services Specialist II $71,784 22%
Business Process Consultant II $71,784 22%

Most common benefits for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Retirement Plan Services Specialist I

1. Where can a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I earn the most?

A Retirement Plan Services Specialist 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 Retirement Plan Services Specialist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Retirement Plan Services Specialist I is $73,937.

2. What is the highest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I?

The highest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I is $68,931.

3. What is the lowest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I?

The lowest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I is $51,066.

4. What are the responsibilities of Retirement Plan Services Specialist I?

Responsible for designing, managing, and administering employer-sponsored retirement plans. Works directly with employers to optimize plan design and performance to benefit both employers and employees. Ensures plan compliance with all applicable government regulations. Prepares and completes any required government filings, annual testing, and reporting. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

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.

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