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:
Retirement Plan Services Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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% |
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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.
The highest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I is $68,931.
The lowest pay for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I is $51,066.
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.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Retirement Plan Services Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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