Benefits Manager Jobs in California

Benefits Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in healthcare systems, technology companies, financial services firms, and large public-sector employers, with openings ranging from benefits coordinator roles through senior director positions. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major employers like Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo, and University of California Health maintain large HR and total rewards teams. The most in-demand specialties include health and welfare plan administration, leaves and accommodations management under California-specific regulations, and retirement plan compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles62
Top employerHUB International
Top cityIrvine, CA
Cities hiring33
Work type43% On-site
Top industryInsurance

Showing 5 of 62+ Benefits Manager jobs

Lockton Companies
Account Manager - Employee Benefits
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Lockton Companies
Added 2d ago
Account Manager - Employee Benefits
Lockton Companies
Irvine, California
Account Management
Customer Success
Sales
$60k - $90k/yr
Bachelor's degree in business administration
10,000+

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The Baldwin Group
Sr. Client Relationship Manager, Employee Benefits - IAS, West
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The Baldwin Group
Added 2d ago
Sr. Client Relationship Manager, Employee Benefits - IAS, West
The Baldwin Group
Irvine, California
Account Management
Business Development
Sales
Bachelor's degree in finance

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Montebello Unified School District
Payroll & Benefits Services Manager
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Montebello Unified School District
Added 2d ago
Payroll & Benefits Services Manager
Montebello Unified School District
Montebello, California
Corporate Training
Educational Administration
Learning & Development
$94k.4 - $115k.12/yr
Bachelor's degree in finance
1,001-5,000

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Lush Cosmetics
Benefits & Wellness Manager
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Lush Cosmetics
Added 3d ago
Benefits & Wellness Manager
Lush Cosmetics
California City, California
Business Strategy
Data Analytics
Data Science
$99k - $110k/yr
Remote (US)
Bachelor's degree in business administration
10,000+

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USI Insurance Services
Employee Benefits Account Manager, Select
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USI Insurance Services
Added 3d ago
Employee Benefits Account Manager, Select
USI Insurance Services
Los Angeles, California
Brand Marketing
Growth Marketing
Marketing
$65k - $80k/yr
Hybrid
10,000+

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See All 62 Benefits Manager Jobs in California

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Benefits Manager Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Irvine
8 jobs
San Diego
6 jobs
Los Angeles
4 jobs
San Francisco
4 jobs
Fresno
3 jobs
Sonora
3 jobs
Sacramento
3 jobs
Anaheim
2 jobs
San Jose
2 jobs

Benefits Manager Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

HUB International
HUB International6 open roles
Intuit
Intuit3 open roles
Suess Insurance Services
Suess Insurance Services3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Insurance
  • Staffing & Recruiting
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Fashion & Apparel
  • Banking & Financial Services

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in benefits manager jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
  • SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CBP, or CEBS certification strongly preferred by California employers
  • Demonstrated knowledge of California leave laws including CFRA, PDL, and paid sick leave
  • Five or more years of benefits administration experience, with at least two in a management role
  • Hands-on experience administering self-insured or fully insured group health plans for large workforces
  • Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM

Benefits Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a benefits manager in California?

Most benefits manager roles in California require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related discipline followed by several years of progressive benefits administration experience. California does not issue a state license for this role, but employers strongly favor candidates holding the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans or a SHRM credential. Deep familiarity with California-specific leave laws and ACA compliance sets candidates apart in this market.

How much do benefits managers make in California?

Benefits managers in California earn a median of about $166,730 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,840 for the lowest 10% to over $289,910 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire benefits managers in California?

Employers hiring benefits managers in California right now include HUB International, Intuit, and Suess Insurance Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of large healthcare networks, technology headquarters, and public university systems means sustained, year-round demand for experienced benefits professionals across the state.

Which California cities have the most benefits manager jobs?

Irvine, San Diego, and Los Angeles have the most benefits manager openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its dense concentration of healthcare systems, entertainment studios, and large municipal employers, while San Francisco and San Diego reflect the tech sector's substantial HR infrastructure and the presence of major biotech and defense contractors anchoring those metro areas.

Are there remote benefits manager jobs in California?

Yes, and more than most HR specializations, because benefits administration is largely desk-based and systems-driven. About 57% of benefits manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, making it one of the more flexible HR functions to perform off-site. Plan renewals, vendor negotiations, and compliance reporting are the tasks most commonly handled fully remote.

How can I get hired as a benefits manager in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a benefits coordinator or HR generalist role at a mid-size California employer, where you gain direct exposure to open enrollment, leave administration, and vendor management. Large California healthcare systems like Sutter Health and county government HR departments regularly post benefits specialist openings that do not require prior management experience. Earning a SHRM-CP credential or completing coursework through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans strengthens applications considerably for candidates without a deep employment history.

Where can I find and apply to benefits manager jobs in California?

You can find and apply to benefits manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each one.

See All 62 Benefits Manager Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Benefits Manager Jobs