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Benefit Specialist Vs Benefits Assistant

The differences between benefit specialists and benefits assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a benefit specialist and a benefits assistant. Additionally, a benefit specialist has an average salary of $48,756, which is higher than the $39,850 average annual salary of a benefits assistant.

The top three skills for a benefit specialist include customer service, HR and patients. The most important skills for a benefits assistant are human resources, data entry, and cobra.

Benefit specialist vs benefits assistant overview

Benefit SpecialistBenefits Assistant
Yearly Salary$48,756$39,850
Hourly rate$23.44$19.16
Growth Rate7%7%
Number Of Jobs31,66325,337
Job Satisfaction--
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average Age4545
Years Of Experience66

What does a Benefit Specialist do?

A benefits specialist is responsible for analyzing and processing the compensation package of an organization, ensuring that the salary and benefits received by an employee adhere to the current legislation procedures. Benefits specialists develop benefits programs, adjusting pension plans and insurance options as needed, and updating the employees on recent updates and changes. A benefits specialist responds to employees' inquiries, addresses their concerns, and manages benefits issues. A benefits specialist must have a clear understanding of benefits policies and processes to educate employees about the benefits structure.

What does a benefits assistant do?

Typically working in a human resources department, a benefits assistant is in charge of performing clerical support tasks for an efficient workflow. They primarily communicate with employees to answer inquiries regarding benefits and compensation programs, assist in processing documents, and resolve issues and concerns. Their responsibilities also include conducting research and analysis, liaising with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, organizing documents, and maintaining records. Above all, it is essential to carry out duties while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

Benefit specialist vs benefits assistant salary

Benefit specialists and benefits assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Benefit SpecialistBenefits Assistant
Average Salary$48,756$39,850
Salary RangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $31,000 And $50,000
Highest Paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest Paying StateConnecticutWashington
Best Paying CompanyQorvoIrving Isd
Best Paying IndustryFinanceGovernment

Differences between benefit specialist and benefits assistant education

There are a few differences between a benefit specialist and a benefits assistant in terms of educational background:

Benefit SpecialistBenefits Assistant
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most Common MajorBusinessBusiness
Most Common CollegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Benefit specialist vs benefits assistant demographics

Here are the differences between benefit specialists' and benefits assistants' demographics:

Benefit SpecialistBenefits Assistant
Average Age4545
Gender RatioMale, 21.1% Female, 78.9%Male, 15.7% Female, 84.3%
Race RatioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.9% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between benefit specialist and benefits assistant duties and responsibilities

Benefit Specialist Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage various employee program such as life, medical, dental pension, and HSA accounts.
  • Examine HMO documents to verify eligibility to process or reject into or from a manage care plan when necessary.
  • Input daily time and PTO, manage benefits, report new hires, input sales, oversee accounts receivable.
  • Create reports using SQL database and manage reports, perform from internet-base tools for research projects need for client insight.
  • Implement new vendor for FSA administration and manage outstanding issues through continuous follow-up and vendor accountability.
  • Analyze, process and manage FMLA claims to determine eligibility and certification in compliance with state and federal regulations.
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Benefits Assistant Example Responsibilities.

  • Create reports using SQL database and manage reports, perform from internet-base tools for research projects need for client insight.
  • Audit HIPAA and outgoing correspondence.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality, observing HIPAA and other policies and guidelines.
  • Post patient payments, verify insurance coverage for new and Medicaid patients.
  • Provide information, education and assistance to clients regarding Medicare and Medicaid by phone and in person.
  • Audit, correct and record all attendance records, vacation records, vacation carryover and vacation/sick accruals.
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Benefit specialist vs benefits assistant skills

Common Benefit Specialist Skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • HR, 8%
  • Patients, 5%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Life Insurance, 5%
  • Cobra, 5%
Common Benefits Assistant Skills
  • Human Resources, 10%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Cobra, 7%
  • Health Insurance, 7%
  • Open Enrollment, 6%
  • HRIS, 5%

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