Business & Office

How to become a Benefits Administrator

From HR coordinator: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$58k–$80k

Starting from

HR coordinator

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from HR coordinator and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–2 years

   Work in HR support first

   Benefits sits inside HR and hires from it far more often than from outside.

   Course that covers thisThe Essentials of Human Resource ManagementUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Learn the plan mechanics

   Eligibility, enrolment, COBRA, FMLA and 401(k) rules. Errors here cost people money.

3. 3

   1 cycle

   Run an open enrolment

   The annual crunch. Doing one cleanly is what qualifies you for the role.

4. 4

   Certify

   CEBS is the specialist credential; SHRM-CP is the general one.

   ◆ CEBS or SHRM-CP

5. ✓

   Destination

   Benefits Administrator

   Browse jobs now →

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