Benefits coordinators assist benefits specialists and other human resources (HR) personnel in administering employee benefits programs. These professionals can be found in HR departments across a variety of industries, including construction, finance, manufacturing and telecommunications. Benefits coordinators often serve as an employee’s first contact regarding benefits issues. The path to a benefits coordinator career can begin with an associate’s degree in applied psychology.
Job Outlook
Through at least 2022, employment opportunities are projected to increase across various HR-related occupations, including benefits specialists, benefits managers and human resources specialists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job growth will be driven by factors such as healthcare reform and increasing complexity in the arena of employment law.
As with many professions, employment prospects should be stronger for prospective benefits coordinators who have a college degree and/or relevant experience.
Job Duties
A benefits coordinator’s typical duties can include:
- Assisting the benefits specialist or HR manager in administering employee benefits
- Serving as the first contact for employees with questions or issues regarding benefits
- Staying up-to-date on workplace-related legislation
- Preparing and conducting employee benefit orientations
- Managing benefit enrollment, status changes and terminations
- Complying with company and governmental regulations regarding record-keeping
- Tracking employee hours and other factors that affect benefit eligibility
- Attending career fairs and recruiting events
Potential Salary
Numerous factors determine potential salary ranges, from a candidate’s work experience and education to market conditions, and the size and type of employer. There also are variations within occupational fields. For example, according to the 2017 Robert Half Administrative Salary Guide, HR Benefits Specialists/Coordinators will earn a salary range of $41,500 – $57,250. At the supervisory level, meanwhile, the BLS states that benefits managers earned about $112,000 per year on average.
With advanced education and experience, benefits coordinators may advance to positions with greater earnings potential.
Education and Training
A future career as a benefits coordinator canbegin with enrolling in an Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology degree program. Coursework typically includes group behavior, philosophy of human nature, social problems and human behavior perspective.
Graduates of an associate’s degree in applied psychology program should be able to:
- Develop solutions to problems facing organizations
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of human behavior
- Recognize the value of ethical behavior
- Understand basic psychological processes
Having a bachelor’s degree in human resources management can provide benefits coordinators will opportunities to move up to other positions.
Some employers offer opportunities for continuing education through tuition assistance programs.
Your Path to a Benefits Coordinator Career
If you have excellent organizational and communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work on a team, you could be a good fit for a benefits coordinator career, which can eventually lead to advanced positions in the human resources field.
