Benefits Specialist Jobs in California
Benefits Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand from technology companies, healthcare systems, entertainment studios, and large financial services firms at every level from benefits coordinator through senior benefits manager. The heaviest hiring concentrates in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where anchor employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Apple, and Wells Fargo regularly seek benefits professionals. The most sought-after specialties in California include health and welfare plan administration, 401(k) and retirement plan compliance, and leave management under California's complex state leave laws. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Benefits Specialist jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Compensation & Benefits Specialist supports and executes global compensation programs while managing key aspects of U.S. benefits administration. This role will play a critical part in delivering competitive, compliant, and scalable total rewards programs, with a primary focus on compensation and a secondary focus on benefits operations.
This position partners closely with HR, Finance, Leadership and external vendors to ensure accurate execution of compensation cycles, market benchmarking, and benefits programs, while maintaining data integrity and process efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Compensation
- Own and lead end-to-end global compensation processes, including focal cycles, bonus programs, and long-term incentive (LTI) plans
- Manage off-cycle compensation actions (salary adjustments, promotions, bonuses), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and appropriate approvals
- Design, improve, and streamline compensation processes, reducing manual work and increasing efficiency and scalability
- Serve as the internal compensation expert, advising HR and leadership on pay decisions, structure, and market competitiveness
-
Own compensation cycle execution:
-
Build and evolve templates and tools
- Drive coordination with HR and business leaders
- Generate and validate compensation letters
- Audit and ensure data integrity in ADP Workforce Now
- Maintain and continuously improve global salary structures and job architecture
- Lead global market benchmarking and survey participation, including role mapping, analysis, and insights
- Partner with global HR leadership on compensation analysis and recommendations
- Own administration of variable pay programs (sign-on bonuses, incentives, and executive bonuses)
- Deliver clear, actionable reporting and insights to Finance and HR leadership
- Ensure compliance with all compensation-related regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., pay transparency, government reporting)
Benefits
- Own administration of U.S. leave of absence (LOA) programs, including employee support, system processing, and policy management
- Partner with vendors (e.g., brokers, ADP) to administer health and insurance programs
- Lead open enrollment (OE) execution, including planning, coordination, communications, and system readiness
- Ensure compliance with benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, and related reporting requirements
- Maintain and improve benefits documentation, policies, and internal resources
- Oversee Workers' Compensation administration, including claim management, vendor coordination, employee support, and compliance activities
- Lead ergonomic support and accommodation processes, including assessments, vendor coordination, and compliance tracking
- Manage COVID-related documentation, reporting requirements, and compliance recordkeeping activities
- Support and coordinate employee wellness initiatives and programs
Qualifications
- 5–8+ years of experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards
- Bachelors' degree in Human Resources, Economics, Communication, Business or similar degree preferred
- Strong experience with compensation cycles, salary structures, and market benchmarking
- Experience with executive compensation and global compensation programs
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capability
- High attention to detail with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential data
- Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and improve manual processes
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment
- Working knowledge of U.S. benefits administration, including LOA and compliance requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AON/Radford or similar compensation surveys
- Experience working with external brokers and benefits vendors
- Familiarity with HRIS systems (experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred)
COMPENSATION
- The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $85,000.00 and $110,000.00 for San Jose, CA. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role is also eligible for variable bonus programs and benefits.
InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a world-leading provider of MEMS and magnetic sensor solutions found in mobile, wearable, smart home, AR/VR, and other consumer and IoT applications. We are innovators with a 20+ year history of patented sensor technologies. As experts in our field, we lead industry breakthroughs in consumer, industrial and automotive technology and reliably deliver high-quality solutions to our partners across global markets.
The University is an equal opportunity employer.
INTRODUCTION
The Compensation & Benefits Specialist supports and executes global compensation programs while managing key aspects of U.S. benefits administration. This role will play a critical part in delivering competitive, compliant, and scalable total rewards programs, with a primary focus on compensation and a secondary focus on benefits operations.
This position partners closely with HR, Finance, Leadership and external vendors to ensure accurate execution of compensation cycles, market benchmarking, and benefits programs, while maintaining data integrity and process efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Compensation
- Own and lead end-to-end global compensation processes, including focal cycles, bonus programs, and long-term incentive (LTI) plans
- Manage off-cycle compensation actions (salary adjustments, promotions, bonuses), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and appropriate approvals
- Design, improve, and streamline compensation processes, reducing manual work and increasing efficiency and scalability
- Serve as the internal compensation expert, advising HR and leadership on pay decisions, structure, and market competitiveness
-
Own compensation cycle execution:
-
Build and evolve templates and tools
- Drive coordination with HR and business leaders
- Generate and validate compensation letters
- Audit and ensure data integrity in ADP Workforce Now
- Maintain and continuously improve global salary structures and job architecture
- Lead global market benchmarking and survey participation, including role mapping, analysis, and insights
- Partner with global HR leadership on compensation analysis and recommendations
- Own administration of variable pay programs (sign-on bonuses, incentives, and executive bonuses)
- Deliver clear, actionable reporting and insights to Finance and HR leadership
- Ensure compliance with all compensation-related regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., pay transparency, government reporting)
Benefits
- Own administration of U.S. leave of absence (LOA) programs, including employee support, system processing, and policy management
- Partner with vendors (e.g., brokers, ADP) to administer health and insurance programs
- Lead open enrollment (OE) execution, including planning, coordination, communications, and system readiness
- Ensure compliance with benefits regulations, including ACA, COBRA, and related reporting requirements
- Maintain and improve benefits documentation, policies, and internal resources
- Oversee Workers' Compensation administration, including claim management, vendor coordination, employee support, and compliance activities
- Lead ergonomic support and accommodation processes, including assessments, vendor coordination, and compliance tracking
- Manage COVID-related documentation, reporting requirements, and compliance recordkeeping activities
- Support and coordinate employee wellness initiatives and programs
Qualifications
- 5–8+ years of experience in compensation, benefits, or total rewards
- Bachelors' degree in Human Resources, Economics, Communication, Business or similar degree preferred
- Strong experience with compensation cycles, salary structures, and market benchmarking
- Experience with executive compensation and global compensation programs
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capability
- High attention to detail with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential data
- Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies and improve manual processes
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment
- Working knowledge of U.S. benefits administration, including LOA and compliance requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AON/Radford or similar compensation surveys
- Experience working with external brokers and benefits vendors
- Familiarity with HRIS systems (experience with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred)
COMPENSATION
- The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $85,000.00 and $110,000.00 for San Jose, CA. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. The role is also eligible for variable bonus programs and benefits.
InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a world-leading provider of MEMS and magnetic sensor solutions found in mobile, wearable, smart home, AR/VR, and other consumer and IoT applications. We are innovators with a 20+ year history of patented sensor technologies. As experts in our field, we lead industry breakthroughs in consumer, industrial and automotive technology and reliably deliver high-quality solutions to our partners across global markets.
The University is an equal opportunity employer.
See All 14 Benefits Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Benefits Specialist JobsBenefits Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Benefits Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Aya Healthcare1
- Family Health Centers of San Diego1
- HUB International1
- InvenSense1
- Maxim Healthcare1
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance3
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Technology & Software2
- Airlines1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in benefits specialist jobs across California.
- SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CBP, or CEBS certification strongly preferred or required
- Demonstrated experience administering health, dental, vision, and retirement benefit plans
- Working knowledge of California leave laws including CFRA, PDL, and California SDI
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Oracle HCM
- Experience ensuring benefits compliance with ERISA, HIPAA, and ACA reporting requirements
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret plan documents and vendor invoices
Benefits Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a benefits specialist in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field as the foundation. There is no California state license for this role, but professional certifications carry significant weight in the local market: the Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) from WorldatWork and the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP from the Society for Human Resource Management are the credentials most consistently requested. Familiarity with California-specific leave statutes and benefit regulations distinguishes candidates in this market.
How much do benefits specialists make in California?
Benefits specialists in California earn a median of about $91,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,070 for the lowest 10% to over $150,180 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire benefits specialists in California?
Employers hiring benefits specialists in California right now include Aya Healthcare, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and HUB International, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of large technology headquarters, major healthcare networks, and entertainment industry employers means the market draws a broad and consistently active mix of organizations.
Which California cities have the most benefits specialist jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Century City are the California cities with the most benefits specialist openings. The distribution follows employer density: Los Angeles draws volume from healthcare systems, media companies, and corporate headquarters, the Bay Area is anchored by technology and financial services firms, and San Diego's biotech and defense sectors generate steady demand for benefits professionals supporting large, benefits-competitive workforces.
Are there remote benefits specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most HR specialties, because benefits administration is largely desk-based work that translates well to remote environments. About 14% of benefits specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the broader shift in corporate HR functions. Roles focused on plan analysis, vendor management, and compliance reporting tend to be the most remote-friendly, while open enrollment support and employee-facing roles more often require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a benefits specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an HR coordinator or HR generalist role at a mid-size California employer, where benefits administration is one responsibility among several and hands-on exposure builds quickly. Large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Disney, and Salesforce run HR rotational or associate programs that place early-career candidates into benefits teams. Earning a SHRM-CP or completing a WorldatWork benefits certificate course before applying signals commitment and gives a candidate a measurable edge over others without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 14 Benefits Specialist Jobs in California
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