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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Benefit Specialist in Illinois is $61,482 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Benefit Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Benefit Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,389 | $5,699 | $1,315 | $33 |
| Average | $61,482 | $5,123 | $1,182 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,147 | $4,429 | $1,022 | $26 |
Ensemble Health Partners - Springfield, IL
Memorial Health University Medical Center - Springfield, IL
Georgia IT Inc - Chicago, IL
Confidential - MINNEAPOLIS, MN
A Benefit Specialist'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 Benefit Specialist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Benefit S... Level Benefit Specialist | $62,061 |
| Benefits ... Level Benefit Specialist | $73,794 |
| Benefits ... Level Benefit Specialist | $98,905 |
| Benefits ... Level Benefit Specialist | $118,715 |
| Benefits ... Level Benefit Specialist | $110,865 |
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 Benefit Specialists. 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:
For Benefit Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Benefit Specialist positions in MFG Durable or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Benefit Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $86,075 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Telecom | $83,001 | $40.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $79,927 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $76,852 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $73,778 | $35.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Benefit Specialist'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 | $68,389 | $5,699 | $1,315 | $33 |
| Average | $61,482 | $5,123 | $1,182 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,147 | $4,429 | $1,022 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Benefit Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Confidential
CHARLOTTE, NC
Confidential | CHARLOTTE, NC
Vice President, Benefit Plans. About the Company. Globally-recognized financial services firm. Industry. Financial Services. Type. Public Company. Founded.... more
1 Month Ago
Confidential
BOSTON, MA
Confidential | BOSTON, MA
Vice President, Benefit Plans. About the Company. Globally-recognized financial services firm. Industry. Financial Services. Type. Public Company. Founded.... more
1 Month Ago
Confidential
NEW YORK, NY
Confidential | NEW YORK, NY
Vice President, Benefit Plans. About the Company. Globally-recognized financial services firm. Industry. Financial Services. Type. Public Company. Founded.... more
1 Month Ago
Marriott
KANSAS, KS
Marriott | KANSAS, KS
Marriott is seeking an Events Specialist to support Event Operations & Coordination within our Hospitality & Travel portfolio. In this role, you will plan,... more
2 Days Ago
Great Wolf Lodge
TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Great Wolf Lodge | TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Great Wolf Resorts, a leader in family-focused entertainment and hospitality, is seeking a passionate and energetic Entertainment Specialist to bring life ... more
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Marriott
KANSAS CITY, MO
Marriott | KANSAS CITY, MO
Marriott is seeking an Events Specialist to support Event Operations & Coordination within our Hospitality & Travel portfolio. In this role, you will plan,... more
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