As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Employee Benefits Manager in the United States is $125,877 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, an Employee Benefits Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Employee Benefits Manager'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 an Employee Benefits Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Benefits ... Level Employee Benefits Manager | $111,199 |
| Benefits ... Level Employee Benefits Manager | $103,846 |
| Employee ... Level Employee Benefits Manager | $125,059 |
| Benefits ... Level Employee Benefits Manager | $166,941 |
| Benefits ... Level Employee Benefits Manager | $187,523 |
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 Employee Benefits Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.98% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.92% |
| PowerPoint | 1.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Vendor Management
|
$133,430 |
6%
|
|
Project Management
|
$132,171 |
5%
|
|
Workday
|
$132,171 |
5%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$132,171 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$130,912 |
4%
|
|
Vendor Relationships
|
$130,912 |
4%
|
For Employee Benefits Manager 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Employee Benefits Manager positions in Biotechnology or Chemicals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Employee Benefits Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $176,228 | $85.0 | 40% |
| Business Services | $169,934 | $82.0 | 35% |
| Construction | $163,640 | $79.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $157,346 | $76.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $151,052 | $73.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Employee Benefits Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Employee Benefits Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,347 and $125,959).
Employee Benefits Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 11.7% |
| Associates | 6.6% |
| Bachelors | 54.6% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Employee Benefits Manager'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Employee Benefits Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $111,521 in 2023 to around $110,915 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Employee Benefits Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $111,521 |
| 2024 | $111,996 |
| 2025 | $110,915 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Employee Benefits Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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